Extension of 30mph speed limits
Bucks Highways has completed its assessment of the proposed 30mph extensions and advised the Parish Council that the assessment does not meet the Department for Transport Guidelines on speed limits. Thames Valley Police were consulted and stated that they would object to the proposals unless there were traffic calming measures to slow down traffic. The Parish Council suggested an alternative solution, creating a 40mpg transition between the 50mph and 60mph speed limits on the approach roads and the existing 30mph speed limit area. This was also rejected by Bucks highways. There is no prospect of Bucks changing their minds and no further action will be taken on this matter.
HGV control zone
Buckinghamshire Council Transport Strategy team is consulting on a Waddesdon Freight Zone to include Chearsley, Cuddington, Ashendon and Brill. Buckinghamshire Highways state: “Our aim is to significantly reduce traffic on local roads by preventing HGVs from passing through to ensure they take more appropriate routes. There would be an exception for vehicles travelling to destinations within the zone. This means deliveries and collections for local homes and businesses would be unaffected. Access would also be retained for buses, farm traffic and public service vehicles. The Parish Council fully supports this proposal and encourages Parishioners to respond positively to the public consultation.
Dadbrook verge/footway
There has been no further response from the landowner. The project is therefore now considered to be unachievable in the short term. There will be another opportunity to pursue this objective through the Bucks Local Plan process in relation to the housing proposals at Dadbrook Farm.
Safety assessment of the Kings Cross junction (Dadbrook and the A418).
The consultant’s (PJA) safety final report has been issued and can be found here. It is proposed to review the junction capacity/design during the Bucks Local Plan consultation stage.
20mph feasibility study
Buckinghamshire Council will not support 20mph speed limits unless they are enforceable i.e. average speeds are within 24mph. (The PC is advised that the Oxfordshire 20mph limits in villages are largely unenforceable). To help reduce vehicle speeds it is proposed to maintain the Speedwatch programme and install additional Speed Indicator Devices (SIDS) at the approaches to the village. The highway consultant (PJA), commissioned by the Parish Council, is completing its report recommending a phased programme of ‘light touch’ traffic calming measures e.g. textured surfacing, signage, village gateways etc to emphasise the residential nature of the roads. The final report should be available by the end of February. Once approved, the consultants will discuss its findings with Buckinghamshire Council in order to agree a way forward and options for funding.