Appendix B
Speed Management Policy
Documents developed by the Members Steering Group:
Page
Route Hierarchy
2
School Speed Limit Implementation Matrix
3
School Priority Ranking System
4
Speed Limit Signing Matrix
5
1
Route hierarchy, categories and description:
Category
Description
Type of Road
General Description
Motorway regulations apply
Detailed Description
1
Motorway
2
Strategic
routes
Trunk roads and designated
A roads between primary
destinations
Routes for long distance travel.
Trunk roads (A303/A36) managed by
the Highways Agency and their agents.
Designated County roads also in this
category and therefore the highest
hierarchy level managed by SCC.
3a
Main
distributors
Major urban network and
inter-primary destination
routes. A roads and other
important classified routes.
Routes linking major urban centres to
the strategic network. SCC manages all
roads in this hierarchy category and
below.
3b
Secondary
distributors
Classified roads carrying
local traffic from/to other
significant settlements.
Routes linking other significant
settlements to the main distributors and
strategic routes
4a
Linking roads
Roads carrying local traffic
linking smaller settlements to
the higher categories
4c
Local collector
roads
Roads carrying local traffic to
the linking roads and the rest
of the network
Rural routes are likely to have variable
width and poor alignment for modern
traffic.
Urban routes will include residential
areas.
The signing policies adopted should not
encourage traffic other then local traffic
with destinations on a Category 4 route.
4b
Local roads
Roads serving limited
numbers of property carrying
only access traffic
Routes for national travel.
Roads managed by the Highways
Agency and their agents.
2
school 20mph speed limits: implementation matrix*1
Category
Description
>30 mph
1
Measured 12 hour average speed
20-30 mph
<20 mph
Motorway
Not applicable
2
Strategic routes
3a
Main distributors
3b
Secondary distributors
4a
Linking roads
4c
Local collector roads
4b
Local roads
Part-time speed limit using VMS
Part-time speed limit using VMS
Signing reinforcement*2
Options:

Part-time speed limit using VMS;

Physical calming measures*3
Options:

Part-time speed limit using VMS;

Physical calming measures*3

Full-time speed limit (signs/lines)
Options:

Physical calming measures*3;

Full-time speed limit (signs/lines)
Options:

Physical calming measures*3;

Signing reinforcement;

Full-time speed limit (signs/lines)
Options:

Physical calming measures*3;

Signing reinforcement*2;

No action
No action
*1
These are the recommended measures for the category of road and in general a scheme design will be based on the matrix. However there may be exceptions where
the School Highway Safety Review (SHSR) recommendations require a deviation from the matrix due to specific site circumstances
*2
No speed limit implemented but enhanced signing options can be used, eg School, SLOW, wig-wags.
*3
Speed humps and cushions can only be used in areas with a speed limit of 30mph or less. Whilst this requirement does not specifically apply to pinch-points, buildouts and chicanes, issues can arise if vehicles approach such structures at elevated speeds and therefore it is considered prudent to apply similar restrictions.
Please note, where more than one option is put forward for consideration, the general presumption is that the most cost-effective option will be selected.
3
PRIORITY RANKING SYSTEM - SCHOOLS
The following guidelines set out a procedure to prioritise schools for the
consideration of a 20mph speed limit.
The procedures allocate scores, multiplied by a weighting factor, to seven
risk areas as follows:
1)
Child related accidents
2)
Vulnerable road users
3)
Existing traffic speed
4)
Route Hierarchy
5)
Environmental considerations – i.e. crossing/footpath facilities
6)
Pupils age
7)
Indices of multiple deprivation
The scoring system in each area is devised to eliminate subjective judgment,
although there is an opportunity for the Engineer to make appropriate
comments.
The scores from each of the risk areas are added together to give a final
overall score for each school.
The scores for each school are then listed in order and used to prioritise
them.
4
Signing/road marking for speed limits: Implementation matrix
These are the recommended measures for the category of road and in general the signing/lining used will be based on the matrix. However there may be exceptions
where a deviation from the matrix may be required due to specific site circumstances, eg Local Safety Schemes
The use of gateway signing to include the town/village nameplate will be encouraged although SCC would expect a financial contribution from the Town/Parish Council.
The Camera logo will only be incorporated into the speed limit signing at those sites designated as either fixed, mobile or red-light camera sites by the Safety Camera
Partnership
Category
Description
Terminal signs
1
Proposed Signing/Lining
Repeater signs
Road markings*1
Motorway
Not applicable
2
Strategic routes
Yellow backed speed limit sign
Yellow backed repeater sign
Standard bar markings (3, 3, 3)
with speed limit roundel
3a
Main Distributors
3b
Secondary
Distributors
Grey backed speed limit sign
Minimum requirement of 300mm
repeater sign with no backing board
Standard bar markings (3, 3, 3)
with speed limit roundel
4a
Linking roads
Minimum signing requirement of
600mm speed limit sign
4c
Local Collector
roads
4b
Local roads
Minimum signing requirement of
600mm speed limit sign
Note, Consideration may be given
to use of alternative/ sensitive
post in AONB, National Park or
conservation sites*2
*1
*2
Speed limit roundel only, no bar
markings
Minimum requirement of 300mm
No road markings (no roundels or
repeater sign with no backing board bar markings)
Note, Consideration may be given to
use of alternative/sensitive post in
AONB, National Park or
conservation sites*2
Enhanced road markings (eg 9, 6, 3 bar markings) may be considered where a safety issue is identified
If sensitive/alternative posts are considered appropriate in other areas, financial contribution will be required
5