Blaby, Lutterworth Road

Scheme to reduce the impact of traffic

Latest update July 2008

Construction commenced on Monday 25th February and is substantially complete. Outstanding measures to be installed are 3 activated signs.

Scheme Monitoring

A number of motorists have voiced concerns relating to the absence of priority signing for the newly constructed road narrowing (throttle).
The aim of the throttle is intended to reduce traffic speed by reducing the available carriageway width over a short length. By introducing horizontal deflection in the form of kerb buildouts and making the motorist slow and alter direction, this change in road layout and visual appearance assists in reducing speed and encourages drivers to travel at a more appropriate speed.
Throughout the development of this feature, signing has been considered carefully. Last year, a trial of the "Throttle" was carried out with and without priority signs. The trial indicated that there was no noticeable benefit observed in providing "priority signing". Each opposing motorist as they approach the feature has a duty to approach with care and exercise due caution before making the decision whether to proceed or yield. In addition, the layout at Blaby is not dissimilar to that of two parked cars, parked opposite one another which are often seen on Grove Road, Blaby as an example. Observations here quite clearly demonstrate that motorists accept the hazard ahead and adapt accordingly proceeding in a way as described above. This is different to the single sided build outs where priority signing is used more commonly as one approach by virtual of no deflection will appear to have the right of way which needs to be controlled.
With regards to safety of the feature, the Throttle is located within a system of street lighting. Forward visibility is very good and the feature is flanked by road narrows and road hump warning signs along with a temporary new road layout ahead sign. Reflective white lining channels traffic through the feature and reflective bollards are located on the newly constructed buildouts.
Now withstanding the above, the Throttle and the whole scheme will be monitored for performance over the next 12 months. The scheme will also be subject to a post scheme safety audit and any matters arising from these studies will be considered.

Scheme Information

Background

Following local concern regarding inappropriate speed along Lutterworth Road between the A426 roundabout and Laurel Road, Leicestershire County Council has developed a scheme to reduce the impact of traffic. The route is covered by two speed limits. A 40mph limit is in place to the south and reduces to 30mph to the north where the route is more developed. Highest average speeds within the 30mph speed limit have been recorded at 37mph. The aim of the scheme is to promote measures which will meet the scheme objectives without compromising the local bus operator or emergency services.

The Proposals

Install a village gateway at the start of the 30mph speed limit by reducing the carriageway width and installing a speed cushion. This will effectively restrict traffic flow and speed showing motorists that the nature of the road has changed.
Install vehicle activated signs (VAS) at appropriate points along the route to compliment the full package of measures proposed. The benefit of VAS is that they remind motorists of the speed limit and do not inconvenience buses and emergency vehicles.
Install a flat top speed table between Southway and Heybrook Avenue.
These features are very effective at reducing speed and provide a safer location for pedestrians to cross.
Install a pair of speed cushions adjacent to the existing pedestrian refuge near Western Drive.
Speed cushions are an effective way of reducing car speeds with less detriment to local bus operators and the emergency services, whose vehicles can straddle the features. The location also encourages lower speeds where pedestrians are expected to cross.
Install a second flat top speed table between Grove Road and Laurel Road.
This will be identical to the one proposed near Southway. The location was chosen because it will encourage slower speeds near the busy Grove Road junction and where the school crossing patrol operates.

The Parish Council and County Councillor Mr. Alan Bailey support the scheme in principle and encourage the public to look at the proposals and return their comments to the County Council during the consultation stage.
To view a plan of this scheme please click here.
(pdf format, 280kb file).

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For photos and details of the traffic measures we are proposing in your area, please click on our link to the photo gallery and follow the links in the gallery.

Scheme Objectives

Reduce vehicle speeds
Improve road safety
Provide safer measures to assist pedestrians crossing

Public Exhibition

A public exhibition was held at The Blaby and District Social Centre on Friday 2nd November 2008

Results of Consultation

The comments received, both supporting and opposing the proposals, were reported to the Highways and Transportation lead member on Monday 21st January 2008 when, after consideration, the scheme was formally approved. Construction commenced on Monday 25th February 2008.

Consultations took place in November 2007 including a public exhibition on 02/11/07 and over 74% of correspondants were in support of the scheme.

Construction

Construction commenced on Monday 25th February and is substantially complete. Outstanding measures to be installed are 3 activated signs. once the scheme is fully complete, scheme monitoring will begin.

Contact Details

If you wish to discuss these proposals please contact:-

David East on direct line telephone number 0116 305 6819or
Ian Vears on direct line telephone number 0116 305 7215

or
Email tsd@leics.gov.uk