COMBERTON PARISH COUNCIL

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1 COMBERTON PARISH COUNCIL I hereby give notice that, as previously arranged, the Meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Wednesday 13 December 2017 in the Village Hall at 7.30pm. The Public and Press are cordially invited to be present. All members of the Council are hereby summoned to attend for the purpose of considering and resolving upon the business to be transacted at the meeting as set out below. AGENDA Mrs Gail Stoehr, Clerk 06/12/17 1. Apologies for absence and declaration of interests 1.1 To receive written apologies for absence and reasons 1.2 To receive declarations of interests from councillors on items on the agenda and details of any dispensations held 1.3 To receive written requests for dispensations for interests and to grant any requests for dispensation as appropriate (if any) Comments & observations from members of the public & County and District Cllr reports 2. To approve the minutes of the previous meeting 3. Matters arising or carried forward from the last meeting or a previous meeting for discussion or decision and to note the Clerk s report 3.1 (Open) Greater Cambridge Partnership - Cambourne to Cambridge Phase One consultation 3.2 (Open) to consider the Great West Walk proposal as presented to the last meeting 3.3 (4.1) Anti-social behaviour in Watts Wood 3.4 (4.6) Bennell Farm S106 update and request for information to consider response if received 4. Finance, procedure & risk assessment 4.1 To receive the finance report and to approve the payment of bills 4.2 Clerk report on any use of delegated powers and action taken due to risk 4.3 Recreation Ground Co-ordinator and Handyman s items Report on any use of delegated powers and action taken due to risk Recreation Ground Co-ordinator and Handyman s request that the Council has a preloaded credit card for his out of pocket expenses when the Rigeons and Greenhams account can t be used 5. To receive reports and items from committees, working groups and members for information only unless specified 5.1 Tree Group report and recommendation regarding tree in Harbour Avenue (LT) 5.2 Proposal that the Council considers the provision of grit bins in the village (NT) 5.3 To consider the assets walk report (NT) 5.4 Proposal that the Council considers what to do about the concrete bins and lid to the rear of the pavilion (NT) 5.5 To consider the condition of SCDC s dog bins in Thornbury and Milner Lane/Barton Road (NT) 5.6 Barton Road path on Meridian side opposite Wootens Close blocked pavement by undergrowth etc (NT) 5.7 To consider the outstanding contract for the Hillfield Road posts and proposal for four additional posts (NT) mph proposal (JF) 5.9 Report on the "Community Flood Volunteering" on 29th November (JF) 6. To consider matters arising out of correspondence/communications received 6.1 Comberton Play Parks request that the Parish Council partly funds the funding bodies sign 6.2 Resident verbal request for a memorial bench 6.3 Stagecoach Service SCDC Taxi consultation Licensing policy and conditions 6.5 Resident request for a litter bin by/in the Barton Road bus shelter 7. Closure of meeting Initials in brackets adjacent to an item indicate the member who has tabled this item or is expected to report. Numbers in brackets before an item indicate the minute reference from the last or previous meeting when this matter was tabled. Mrs Gail Stoehr, Clerk to Comberton Parish Council, 30 West Drive, Highfields Caldecote, CB23 7NY Tel: parishclerk@comberton.org.uk

2 Clerk report to Comberton Parish Council meeting on 13 December 2017 Where I have information to support the agenda this is below. PCSO Sam Kennedy is expected to attend the meeting to discuss anti-social behaviour in Watts Wood. 2. To approve the minutes of the meeting on 8 November attached 3. Matters arising 3.1 Greater Cambridge Partnership Cambourne to Cambridge Phase One consultation We are writing to inform you that public consultation on the Cambourne to Cambridge better bus journeys scheme will formally open on Monday 13 November The consultation will last 10 weeks coming to a close on 23:59 on 22 January The consultation will focus on the first phase of the scheme, a bus route between a new Park and Ride site and Cambridge. A range of public events will be held across the area from 20 November with GCP officers available to discuss the options in more detail with people in the community. Full details of the events taking place will be published later this week. The consultation web page can be found at where the consultation survey will go live on 13 November. For more information please us at contactus@greatercambridge.org.uk 3.2 (Open) Great West Walk proposal Following the presentation to the last meeting. 3.3 (4.1) Anti-social behaviour in Watts Wood PCSO Kennedy s apologies for the last meeting were sent shortly before the meeting started. He wrote: Unfortunately I will not be able to attend the Parish meeting later this evening. I have been tasked to attend another priority event in the county. There have been no new reported incidents regarding WATTS WOOD, most likely because the weather is getting colder. He has indicated he intends to attend tonight s meeting, duties permitting. 3.4 (4.6) Bennell Farm S106 update and request for information to consider response if received 4.2 Clerk report on any use of delegated powers and action taken due to risk An order placed for a hi-viz jacket at a cost of Recreation Ground Co-ordinator and Handyman s report on any use of delegated powers and action taken due to risk Recreation Ground Co-ordinator and Handyman reports that he has purchased a new power cable for the new Christmas lights at a cost of To receive reports and items from committees, working groups and members for information only unless specified 5.1 Tree Group report and recommendation regarding tree in Harbour Avenue (LT) A resident had asked for the tree to be thinned out, rather than just the tree survey recommendation that the crown is lifted. Cllr Tatnell to report. 5.2 Proposal that the Council considers the provision of grit bins in the village (NT)

3 5.3 To consider the assets walk report (NT) attached. 5.4 Proposal that the Council considers what to do about the concrete bins and lid to the rear of the pavilion (NT) 5.5 To consider the condition of SCDC s dog bins in Thornbury and Milner Lane/Barton Road (NT) 5.6 Barton Road path on Meridian side opposite Wootens Close blocked pavement by undergrowth etc (NT) 5.7 To consider the outstanding contract for the Hillfield Road posts and proposal for four additional posts (NT) The Handyman writes Please can this mud verge which is located at the bottom of Hillfield Road be viewed and discussed at the next Parish Council meeting. It is not a beneficial or useful 'green' space and is used by up to 5 different residents of Hillfield road as a permanent parking space. All attempts to protect/restore it have failed and there is now a degree of hostility amongst certain individuals. Putting wooden posts in the mud verge, restoring, levelling and reseeding it will likely improve it and protect it, but this will cause individuals to then park in the hammerhead area and in front of the adjacent house drive, causing even more animosity and likely confrontation between residents. The ideal solution is for the verge to be restored but covered by a permeable surface that allows parking but also allows the green grass to grow mph proposal (JF) attached. 5.9 Report on the "Community Flood Volunteering" on 29th November (JF) 6. Correspondence 6.1 Comberton Play Parks request that the Parish Council partly funds the funding bodies sign Chrissie Moore of Comberton Play Parks Project has written: We are looking to close the bank account and then the charity for the CPP we have about left in the account which we would like to give to the PC to help with purchase of the sponsors plaque for the new equipment at the rec. To do this I need the PC bank account details so that we can transfer the funds over please, I would like to get this tied up ASAP as we have a monthly charge of 7.50 on the account. With regards to the plaque we don't have enough funds to cover the full cost so it would be great if the PC could make up the short full it would really help me out, we had an estimate for around and then Jason is happy to supply a piece of wood and attach it to the sand pit railings. We as a committee have all the details of the sponsors so I am happy to work with someone on the rec working group to get this last job jobbed. In response to a query as to whether it was a condition of the SCDC money that a plaque was provided, as the WREN plaque had been sent to them prior to the Play Park opening in 2014, Ms Moore has replied that she is waiting for this information from the committee member who applied for the grant. 6.2 Resident verbal request for a memorial bench A resident has enquired whether it would be possible for a memorial bench to be erected by his many friends in memory of a gentleman who was recently killed in Cambourne, and as to the procedure involved.

4 She was asked to details of the proposal including the type and materials for the bench and its suggested location. At the time of writing this information has not yet been received. 6.3 Stagecoach Service 18 Zoë Paget, Operations Director, Stagecoach East has written to say I am in receipt of your regarding the 18 service and the peak journeys. At present we have two buses which operate on the 18 service, and these operate the two morning journeys into Cambridge. However one of the buses runs via Long Road, and so takes longer to get through Cambridge and complete its full journey back out on the Service 18. This means that it cannot return back in from Cambourne again in sufficient time to operate another earlier journey, leading to the gap there is between 0739 and 0911 at Comberton. We are unfortunately not able to provide an additional journey in between these times, as there is no available alternative vehicle to operate a journey at peak times into Cambridge. Our vehicles at peak times are already utilised on other services, and so we cannot cut those journeys to offer an additional trip on 18s. I can advise that from January we are looking to include Great Gransden following requests from customers, and the time taken to reroute that way should be the same as the delays caused by the right turn out onto A428. With this change in mind, our Commercial team will also look to see what action can be taken to improve the reliability for the morning journeys you have highlighted. Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention Heidi Allen s secretary has also written: We re happy to revisit this issue in January with you, when Stagecoach make their changes. Perhaps a proactive approach with demonstrable support (which the Parish Council could hopefully provide) would give requested changes a better chance of success? Stagecoach has also written to say We are writing to notify you that Stagecoach is to alter a number of their services from the 8 th January 2018 including Service 18 (attached) 6.4 SCDC Taxi consultation Licensing policy and conditions SCDC has written: We are proposing to introduce a licensing policy and conditions that will apply to all Private Hire and Hackney Carriage drivers, vehicle proprietors and operators holding or wishing to obtain a licence. The new policy proposes to adopt a stringent standard for new and existing license holders. The key changes being proposed include: A more stringent convictions policy for all applicants and existing drivers A new Hackney Carriage policy so all vehicles are wheelchair accessible Introduction of CCTV in all licensed vehicles A new knowledge test for all applicants and existing drivers Changes to the frequency in which medical examinations are required for all drivers Introduction of a new Disclosure and Barring process so we are informed quickly if a licensed driver receives a conviction Our proposed policy puts public safety at its heart and sets one of the highest bars that vehicles and drivers must pass before being granted a licence. We want to hear your views.

5 The policy and attached conditions (Appendices A to H) can be viewed in full in either of the following ways: 1. By visiting the South Cambridgeshire District Council website at: and follow the link to submit your comments 2. By visiting the Council office in normal working hours where a hard copy of the consultation may be viewed Alternatively, your views can be put in writing to: Resources Team, South Cambridgeshire District Council, Cambourne Business Park, Cambourne, Cambridgeshire, CB23 6EA. The deadline for receiving views is no later than Friday 5 January 2018 at 23:59 hrs. Resource Team 6.5 Resident Barton Road ditch clearing and request for a litter bin in the bus shelter A resident of Barton Road has written: It would help if a litter bin was installed outside the bus shelter which may encourage people to use it rather than throwing their cans etc into the ditch. 7. Closure of meeting

6 P a g e 1 Proposal to Promote the Outstanding Values of the Coton Corridor / Madingley Hill: The Great West Walk 1 Introduction Madingley Hill is one of only a few commanding viewpoints over Cambridge, and it would seem relatively underappreciated as a city asset by the Cambridgeshire population, many of whom we suspect are only vaguely aware of the qualities it has to offer. This might be because there is no easily accessible and attractive means for people to appreciate these qualities. In addition, other important assets exist in the vicinity, such as the Coton Countryside Reserve (CCR), the American Cemetery, the 800 Year Wood and SSSI on Madingley Hill, and the Wimpole Way, to name a few. 2 Objectives The objectives of this project are to: 1. Promote the outstanding landscape, environmental, historic and cultural heritage values of the Coton Corridor and Madingley Hill by providing an accessible walking route from Cambridge to this area, and to include important associated features along the way such as the Coton Countryside Reserve (CCR), the American Cemetery, the 800 Year Wood, and the Wimpole Way, etc. 2. Provide an integrated and circular walk, with several length options, that people can follow easily, and thereby provide an asset with excellent environmental, cultural, recreational, health and wellbeing, and educational benefits for the people of Cambridgeshire and visitors. 3 The Proposed Route The proposed route, dubbed a working title "The Great West Walk", is about 13 miles long (Fig 1). We suggest that this (or a similar) walk is promoted to raise awareness and appreciation of many special qualities that are a feature of our region. By raising the profile and awareness of the area, including the Coton Countryside Reserve, this should elevate appreciation of the outstanding landscape, environmental, cultural, heritage and historical values of the area, which we believe are at serious risk of degradation and potential loss. The proposed route follows and, to the maximum extent practicable, links together what appear to be existing rights of way and permissive paths, joined where necessary by short sections of road. At this stage, the route is based on desk study and local knowledge, and the work to establish the definitive legal status of land along the proposed route has yet to be undertaken. Adjustments to the route may be needed to take account of legal requirements. The route shown should therefore be regarded as indicative. There are opportunities to make improvements to the assets along the way e.g. the section along Long Road could be developed into a walking path through existing woodland (e.g. the strip known as the Comberton Wood ), which could be extended up to the Madingley Mulch junction. The route could also link to the Hardwick Millennium Footpath near Northfield Farm and Long Road (Fig 2). There might also be an opportunity to improve accessibility to an area of commanding views over the countryside from a high point on Madingley Hill. The Great West Walk Proposal v4 16/10/17

7 P a g e 2 As the full 13 mile route is longer than most people would typically walk, we envisage splitting the route into several shorter loops as options. For example, a simple option would be to start the walk from Coton, which would reduce the length to 10 miles, and shorter options are also possible. Fig 1: Proposed route (Indicative) Fig 2: Route of Hardwick Millenium Footpath The Great West Walk Proposal v4 16/10/17

8 P a g e 3 4 Current status In view of the route proposed, at this early stage we first approached Coton Parish Council and Cambridge Past Present & Future (CPPF) to ascertain whether support in principle might exist for the proposal. Coton Parish Council welcomed the proposal and voted unanimously to give in principle endorsement at the Parish Council meeting held 10 October The Coton Parish Council recognised that more work is needed on aspects such as the legal status of lands, costs, and practical aspects such as signposting etc. James Littlewood (CEO, CPPF) has also indicated in principle support for the concept, although at present CPPF do not have the staff or financial resources to create a professional walking map, and they also recognised that further work is needed to establish the legal status of land along the route. If other support for the project can be found to get it to a sufficient standard, then CPPF would be keen to promote the initiative. We very much welcome this in principle support from Coton Parish Council and the CPPF. 5 The way forward We believe that much of the background research and information on the route can be assembled by local people on a voluntary basis. However, we consider that a fully professional product would be needed to achieve the objective of substantially raising the profile of the value of the area. To achieve this, we anticipate it will be necessary to engage services in graphic design / mapping for a fully professional published product. We anticipate that an appropriate level of signposting along the route would also be needed to enable users to follow the route with confidence. Advice on the nature and amount of signposting would be needed from experienced agencies, such as Councils etc. Definitive information on the legal status of lands along the proposed route is also needed. To move the proposal forward, we now wish to establish whether broader support for the initiative exists, in particular amongst neighbouring Parish Councils, such as Madingley, Hardwick, Barton and Comberton. If there is support in principle, we would proceed to the next stage of scoping out costs and seeking support from other potentially interested parties, such as County, District and City Councils, local interest groups, as well as local commercial companies that might have an interest in sponsoring production costs. We believe that broad Parish Council support in principle is essential before the initiative can be taken forward to a more detailed stage. We therefore would invite the Parish Councils of Madingley, Hardwick, Barton and Comberton to join Coton Parish Council and the CPPF in giving in principle endorsement for the initiative. 6 Actions With broad in principle endorsement secured from local Parishes and CPPF, we envisage the following further actions are needed to bring this to fruition: 1. Verify route, walkover; 2. Determine legal status and access rights along route; The Great West Walk Proposal v4 16/10/17

9 P a g e 4 3. Coordinate with stakeholders such as County, District and City Councils, Parish Councils, National Trust, University of Cambridge, landowners, companies, special interest groups, etc.; 4. Prepare budget for those tasks and expenses involving costs that would be necessary to accomplish the project successfully; 5. Apply to appropriate sources for financial support to meet the costs; 6. Write text on history, environment, American Cemetery, etc.; 7. Obtain suitable photos / drawings / illustrations of key features / ecology along the route; 8. Commission graphic designer to prepare a flyer with attractive, easy to follow, map; 9. Publish and print as a flyer, and also as a GPS route on the internet; 10. Design, produce and install suitable route markings 11. Publicise and promote the route. 7 Potential Partners / Stakeholders At this stage we have identified the following stakeholders and potential partners for the initiative: Councils o County, South Cambs and Cambridge City o Parish Councils of Coton, Barton, Hardwick, Madingley Conservation / Cultural / Historical organisations o CPPF o National Trust o Campaign for the Protection of Rural England o American Cemetery Walking groups o Cambridge branch of Ramblers Association o Cambridge Ramblers o Comberton Ramblers o Sustrans o Walk Cambridge University / Colleges o Department of Botany (800 year Wood / SSSI) o Land owners? Local businesses / landowners o Coton Farm Shop and Orchard o Madingley Mulch o The Plough, Coton o The Three Horseshoes, Madingley o Farmers o Others? The Great West Walk Proposal v4 16/10/17

10 P a g e 5 7 Related projects Cambridge to Comberton Greenway proposed by GCP Others?? Colin Harris and Terry Spencer 16 October 2017 The Great West Walk Proposal v4 16/10/17

11 COMBERTON PC FINANCIAL REPORT Dec-17 Summary of Month Balance brought forward 219, Adjusts/transfs/inc during period Additional payments approved at last/previous meeting SCDC TRADE WASTE BT PAVILION PHONE SCDC TRADE WASTE BT PAVILION PHONE OPEN SPACES SOCIETY AFFILIATION FEE GREENHAM CLEANING SUPPLIES COMBERTON UTD S FESTIVE LIGHTS LTD POND LIGHTS Misc Credits HMRC VAT COMBERTON CRUSADERS PITCH HIRE 67.2 Total Adjustments Balance revised after adjustments 218, Bank Reconciliation Account Funds Statement Outstanding National Savings D&M Fund 84, , Santander 134, , , Total 218, , , Expenditure for approval COMBERTON BAPTIST CHURCHYOUTH WORKERS BUCHANS GRASSCUTTING SCDC TRADE WASTE R MISTER EXPENSES SALARY SALARY HMRC PAYE NEST PENSION Total Expenditure 2, Balance C/F 216, Gail Stoehr Responsible Financial Officer Notes: Late invoices will be brought to the meeting

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19 Local Highways Improvement Initiative Application Questions List Persistent Problem Evidence that the problem has persisted for some time and the degree to which these ongoing difficulties will be addressed by the proposal should be fully detailed in this section. A description of any measures that have been implemented in the past with limited success should also be included. How does your proposal aim to address the problem and to what degree will it resolve or improve it? Key points: - Since 2003 the Parish Council has been considering a 20mph scheme to manage traffic and improve road safety - Evidence shows that slower speed limits lead to safer roads - A survey showed that people value the safety benefits of a 20mph scheme in Comberton - Other road safety measures have been implemented in Comberton, including traffic calming, temporary 20mph zones by the schools, a zebra crossing and a Community Speed Watch group - A village-wide Speed Reduction Scheme offers a comprehensive (i.e. everywhere at all times of day) approach to improving the road environment for all road users, at a comparatively low cost Traffic speeds are an ongoing concern for residents. The Parish Council voted to

20 support research into the possibilities for a village speed reduction scheme in 2015, and this was rolled out during 2016 in the form of two opinion surveys, a traffic speed survey, public information sharing, and planning a detailed, workable and fully costed options with County Council Highways colleagues. However, interest in reducing traffic speeds was expressed much earlier in the 2003 Parish Plan s long term goals. In 2003, speed reductions were desirable due to our region having very high levels of carownership (which had grown by 30% since 1991), and busy rush hour traffic making parents uneasy about their children cycling or walking to school. Today, an ongoing concern is that confidence in using the roads, and willingness to lead an active lifestyle by choosing to walk or cycle, is compromised by busy roads and fast traffic. As house building in Comberton and the surrounding area continues, especially with the planned development of 90 new homes on Bennell Court Farm, traffic levels are expected to rise further. Whilst little can be done to reduce the growing traffic levels within Comberton (Community Speed Watch reports 850 vehicles/hour at peak times), the speed of travel can be addressed. Two opinion surveys have been carried out in Comberton to assess the viability and public support for the scheme. More details on these will be given in the Community Engagement section of this application, however here it is necessary to note that the first survey with 254 respondents showed that over half of the people walking and cycling in Comberton would feel safer if traffic speeds were slower. Over 60% of respondents considered each of the following benefits of reducing speeds to be important to them personally: less likelihood of collisions; less serious injuries from collisions; calmer, safer streets; and more time for drivers to react to hazards. To date several measures have been adopted to improve traffic speeds: - Traffic calming exists at several points along Long Road, on the B1046 close to Comberton Village College, and 20 mph areas operate for part of the day next to

21 each school on the B A Community Speed Watch group has been established, and the Speed Watch equipment was purchased by the Parish Council. It currently operates on Long Road and Barton Road, and is seeking permission to extend its operations to elsewhere in the village. - Reducing the speed Iimit between Toft and Comberton to 50mph reduces the approach speed to the village college (this was co-funded by Toft and Comberton Parish Councils). - A zebra crossing has been installed which has greatly improved safety and ease of crossing the road at that specific location. - A community education programme was initiated as part of the consultation for a Comberton 20mph scheme. This has involved articles in the monthly village newsletter, the Comberton Contact, information sessions at the village hall, and posters at the key locations of the Library, Village Hall notice board, Village Shop, and Baptist Church. Awareness raising also involved running opinion surveys and displaying 20 stickers on wheelie bins. This speed reduction proposal involves reducing speeds in the core of the village to 20mph, in addition the speed reductions on approach roads to the North (Long Road, Branch Road and the top of Green End) would be reduced to 40mph, to the South (Royston Lane) would be reduced to 50mph, and the existing East and West approach roads would remain at 40mph and 50mph respectively. Long Road and Barton Road where residents live on just one side of the road will not be reduced to 20mph, following Highways guidance [see uploaded map for details]. With the speed and opinion survey data, interested residents and the Transport Working Group were invited to meet plan new speed limits for Comberton. We met with Highways Officer Andrew Preston, who advised us on current policy and helped

22 adjust our plans. Highways officer Joel Sykes has since undertaken a review, and sought guidance from the Highways Policy and Regulation Team. Joel has costed up two versions of a plan and the one which did not include Long Road was selected by the Parish Council. These estimates follow national guidance and employ the same design principals used in the Cambridge 20mph scheme. The costs have been rounded up by 4-5% to 24,000. Below is a cost breakdown of items required, showing prices for all speed limits and associated signs, gateway features, roundels and red surfacing (we require one or more of each item listed as advised by Highways): - A pair of 600mm terminal speed limit signs = A pair of 600mm terminal speed limit signs on new posts = A pair of 300mm repeater signs (back to back) on existing street furniture = New post = mph roundel marking = Coloured surface = Gateway feature (one side of road) = 430 to 850 depending on size Gateway feature with integrated village sign (one side of road) x 1 = Traffic Regulation Order cost = Road Safety Audit = 1500 If this bid is successful, community engagement with this programme would be a priority to help sustain public support and compliance. A similar approach would be used including more articles in Comberton Contact to discuss the changes, more 20 stickers on wheelie bins, and also the future purchase of a mobile interactive speed sign to give immediate feedback and promote speed awareness. We would also contact the schools with a message announcing the speed reduction scheme and a request to share this with pupils, parents and staff, in order to promote

23 support. Engaging with Comberton Village College would be particularly valuable given that young drivers have been involved in 13 of the 35 collisions which have occurred in the proposed Speed Reduction area since Road Safety Applicants should identify the road safety aspects of their proposal, the hazards that currently exist and how the proposal could contribute to their reduction, or general improvement of road safety. How will your proposal contribute to improving road safety? Key points: - Since 2000 there have been 35 collisions resulting in casualties in Comberton - The vast majority of collisions with casualties occur on the arterial roads, so including arterial roads in the Speed Reduction Scheme offers the maximum potential safety improvement - Many collisions occur at junctions and slower speeds would make junctions easier to use - Additional safety and public health improvements include: supporting active lifestyles so tackling obesity and reducing toxic air pollution - A village speed survey shows that 20mph is viable on the roads for which this is proposed Speed of travel is a key factor in both the incidence and severity of collisions. Travelling slowly allows more time to respond to changing road conditions, which can be unexpected in a busy village setting with poor visibility at some junctions and heavy

24 traffic at certain times of day. Since 2000, in the area covered by the Speed Reduction Scheme crashmap.co.uk reports 35 collisions resulting in injuries. Of these, 4 collisions involved child casualties (1 was serious); 4 involved cyclist casualties (1 was serious); 3 involving pedestrian casualties; and 9 involved motorcyclist casualties (1 was serious). The location of these collisions, with all but three being on the arterial roads of Comberton, highlights the safety gains to be made by reducing speed limits to 20mph from 30mph on most of the roads in Comberton. Making the speed reduction on almost all roads in Comberton will make the changes easier to understand and remember. A major benefit is that in one simple change improvements are made to all areas in the village, which will include congested areas around the shops, doctors surgery, schools, and junctions. Analysing collision data also shows that whilst a 20mph scheme benefits pedestrians and cyclists, 28/35 collisions which resulted in injuries involved just motorised vehicles. Motorists themselves are vulnerable even on village roads at 30mph, and thus stand to avoid potential future accidents via the implementation of a speed reduction scheme. The introduction of 20mph limits have been associated with observable decreases in casualties elsewhere, for example in Portsmouth there were 19% fewer road casualties in the three years post-implementation compared to the three years before. Other cities report different figures, but all report reductions in casualties to some degree. When considering safety and public health more broadly, as well as reducing the chance of an actual collision, lower speed limits are associated with additional benefits. A village-wide speed reduction scheme would make roads easier to cross especially for people who are older, have mobility problems or families with children; walking and cycling would become more relaxing with slower moving traffic. Green End road, which links the population centre to a network of footpaths which are popular with walkers and runners, has no pavement for more than half its length, and reducing speeds from 30 to

25 20, and 60 to 40, will make it a more enjoyable route to use. Speed limit reductions could nudge people towards more active lifestyles, and being active has important physical and mental health effects. In Edinburgh s 20mph areas, permission for children to play out more than doubled from 31% to 66%; cycling to school tripled. Enabling children to be outside and active more of the time could help address the child obesity epidemic. Slower speeds would also benefit Comberton Village College s cycling activities, as their mountain bike routes used for PE lessons use the following roads which would have reduced speed limits: West Street, Green End, Branch Road, Swaynes Lane, Harbour Avenue, South Street and Long Road (as well as other minor roads). Slower traffic and better flow of traffic has the benefit of reducing air and noise pollution from vehicles. For those living alongside the B1046 quieter road noise would be beneficial. Air pollution from diesel fumes (which are more toxic than petrol fumes) is lower at 20mph than 30mph and 2014 government data shows that a reduction in speed from 30mph to 20mph is equivalent in NOx and PM 10 emissions to taking nearly half of the petrol cars off the road. Especially given the location of the village playgroup and two schools on or very close to the B1046, reducing speeds could mean that classrooms are also filled with cleaner, safer air. A speed survey was carried out at four locations. The points were chosen due to the likelihood of recording the fastest traffic within the 30mph area. To reduce speed limits we had to check whether average speeds are low enough that a 20mph limit does not create a compliance problem. The data was recorded using a radar, on st July 2016, and each location was monitored for three hours, typically 8-9am, 11.30am pm, and 5-6pm. The locations and their average speeds for all three hours were: (1) B1046 by Comberton Village College: 23.8mph

26 (2) B1046 between the village shop and Meridian school: 23.4mph (3) On Long Road within the 30mph zone: 24.9mph (4) On Green End by the Baptist Church: 21.6mph Locations 1, 2, and 4 all meet the requirement of average speeds falling at 24mph or below. Long Road does not meet this requirement due to average speeds of 24.9mph, and is not included in the Speed Reduction Scheme. These average speeds are slow enough to implement a 20mph limit, and bringing a new limit would help curb the speeds of those travelling at the faster end of the spectrum. Community Improvement Proposals are expected to create improvements for the local community, from either a social or economic perspective, or both. An explanation of how the proposal achieves this should be included. Evidence that the proposal is supported by the local community would be advantageous. How does your proposal provide community improvement? Key points: - Two opinion surveys were carried out, and in both there were more people in favour of the proposed Speed Reduction Scheme than in opposition - Some residents do not favour the idea of 20mph speed limits - The Speed Reduction Scheme has support from the Comberton Parish Council, Toft Parish Council, Comberton Village College, our District Councillor, and the Parents and Teachers Association at Meridian Primary School. - The Library, Baptist Church, Village Hall, Village Shop, Butcher s and Hairdressers have helped publicity by displaying posters - Frequent articles on the village newsletter Comberton Contact, and two information events in the Village Hall have been central to consultation

27 Comberton is a busy and vibrant village. We have a substantial population with >943 homes, a large secondary school, a primary school, and two day nurseries. There is a sizeable elderly population, and an area of sheltered housing for people who need supported living. Comberton is located on the B1046 which takes commuters into Cambridge and forms a cut-through between the A428 and M11. Roads can fracture or connect a village and slowing traffic would help the village roads become more connective. Taking a child for a bike ride or spending time at the village pond (on the B1046) would be more pleasant with traffic passing more slowly and respectfully. Slowing speed limits within Comberton would better balance the needs of people who live and work in the village, and those who use the roads to travel to work and school by car, bus, bicycle and foot. People with mobility restrictions or walking with young children would especially benefit from the safer village environment, and feel more confident walking beside and crossing the roads. To ensure community engagement with this Speed Reduction Scheme two surveys have been carried out. This first was a long survey with 254 responses, which covered many aspects of travel and transport in Comberton. It requested that respondents indicate their feelings about a 20mph area, and 66% supported the principle of lowering speed limits, 22.5% did not support this; and 11.5% were undecided. When asked about where 20mph should be rolled out, the most popular options were to include all main roads and all residential roads, and many expressed a wish for roads without pavements to be 20mph to allow safe access to footpaths. The latter option turned out not to be possible given the Highway rules, but this nevertheless shows an appetite for slower traffic village-wide. This was used as a guide to negotiate a finalised Speed Reduction proposal with the Highways team. The second survey was completed by fewer people (n=89) and was not publicised by

28 Comberton Village College so probably reached fewer parents and older children. It asked only about the finalised plan. Opinions were divided on the finalised plan, with 49.4% approving, 47.2% disapproving, and 3.4% being unsure. Whilst the small majority group did support the proposed changes, the responses are finely balanced. My analysis of this is that (1) the number of respondents was lower, due to survey fatigue, so the result is slightly less robust than the first survey, and (2) whilst most people support the general idea of lower speeds, some were disgruntled that their road would not be included (e.g. Barton Road by Horizon Park, or Long Road) and may not like the plan for that reason. The specifics of the scheme have been subjected to very detailed discussions and county highway norms scaled down the scheme to be more practicable and achievable, but this necessary compromise left some respondents disappointed. For other respondents there was no perceived need to reduce speed limits. When analysed together, the surveys show overall support for a Speed Reduction Scheme. The Speed Reduction Scheme has received formalised support from neighbouring Toft Parish Council (unanimous support), from Comberton Village College, and from the Meridian School PTA. Comberton Parish Council has been fully supportive throughout, funding the initial research and consultation, and providing the funding needed to complement the LHI grant. Support in kind has been received from village businesses, the Village Hall, Comberton Library and the Baptist Church, who have willingly displayed consultation information. The scheme is also supported by our District Councillor Tim Scott. The main community improvements that this project offers are (1) it addresses a longstanding community concern regarding traffic speeds and road safety; (2) it will be empowering for the community to see a scheme which has good support be brought to fruition and this will reinforce the relationship between residents, the Parish Council and

29 County Council; (3) an improved road environment means that people are more likely to walk or cycle and this makes it easier to greet people which enhances the social interaction and enhances the village sense of community; (4) driving slower makes it more likely for drivers to be courteous and observe other road users needs, this can have a positive feedback of establishing thoughtful driving amongst many drivers which adds to the sense of living in a caring village; (5) slower roads allow better connectivity between parts of the village due to safer movement around the village, especially for children who wish to walk and cycle and those with reduced mobility. Added Value Key points: - The Parish Council will pay for 58.3% of the costs of this scheme. - Alternative measures have been taken and are have proved beneficial, however this scheme operates 24 hours a day offers on most roads so offers greater coverage and therefore a wider benefits, thus it builds upon existing traffic interventions. - The Comberton Parish Council and District Councillor Tim Scott support this scheme, and opinion surveys show that on balance there is public enthusiasm for it Comberton Parish Council is able to support 58.3% of the cost of this scheme. Over two years we have allocated sufficient money, not only for the 14,000 towards the implementation costs of the 24,000 Speed Reduction Scheme, but also the funding needed to support the initial research and consultation costs, and the development of the plan, and also to buy the Community Speed Watch equipment which the Parish Council deemed important to support the change in speed limits. As mentioned in an earlier section, various interventions have improved the roads in

30 Comberton. This includes a Community Speed Watch; 20mph zones outside the schools at drop off and pick up times; traffic calming on Long Road and West Street; and the installation of a zebra crossing. All of these interventions have had a positive impact on the precise area in which they exist and are very worthwhile. A village wide scheme to reduce speed limits has a universality which will bring benefits to more people in Comberton as the 20mph limit will apply at all times of day, and on most roads. As mentioned in the Community Improvement section, there is support from Comberton Parish Council, Toft Parish Council, Meridian Primary School PTA, Comberton Village College and our District Councillor Tim Scott. As discussed earlier, there is general public support for the scheme as shown in the first opinion survey, and the specifics of the final proposal were greeted with overall approval (albeit finely balanced, with a lower response rate) in part due to the workable and approved plan diverging from individuals own ideals of how the scheme might look. An additional benefit of this scheme is that Comberton would be one of the forwardthinking villages involved in setting new norms of traffic speeds within the village environment. Whilst we are not the first to do this within Cambridgeshire, the villagescale of this scheme is impressive and could become a future example of good practice within the county both for Highways and Public Health. Hopefully this shift will benefit neighbouring villages as well, by reminding motorists that villages are living communities which need to be travelled through with care. Upload Documents Upload any documents you wish to submit to support your application. - Map of changes - Letters of support CVC & PTA

31 - Survey results (speed and opinion)

32 Version Number: 1 Date: 12 November 2017 Project Name Project Position Report Comberton Speed Reduction Plan Project Lead Anna Barford, with Cllrs Nick Taylor and Jill Feldman 1.0 Project Introduction & Background: Briefly describe the events leading to this project and reason for priority There is ongoing concern about traffic speeds and road danger in Comberton, which has been expressed by residents and was documented in the 2003 Parish Plan. In 2016 the Parish Council voted to support the idea of reducing speed limits in Comberton to 20mph, and supported (politically and financially) research and public engagement to test out the viability of this idea. The reasons this is a priority are: 1. It has village-wide benefits because all roads which the County Council Local Highways would allow to have speeds reduced, and which would not enormously increase the cost of the project, are included. 2. There is a record of collisions in the village, especially at major junctions, and slower speeds are expected to reduce the frequency and severity of collisions. 3. Reducing speeds will make the roads safer for drivers (who are the group most often injured in road accidents), pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. It will also reduce noise and some forms of air pollution. 4. Slower traffic will improve the village environment. In 2017 a multi-faceted research, public engagement, and highways design plan was launched. Having completed all of this by October 2017 it was clear that a village-wide Speed Reduction Plan is both generally publicly supported, as well as practicable according to the County Council s Highways Team. It has been expected that this Speed Reduction Plan would be funded through a combination of County Council Local Highways Initiative funding (up to 10,000 is available) and that the remainder would come from Comberton Parish Council. 2.0 Project Objectives: (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-lined) Describe the high-level objectives for the project The objective is to deliver a well-designed speed reduction plan, which is specified in the map produced by Paul Harvey. This will include the installation of a mobile interactive speed sign, which is recommended as being the most effective way to reinforce speed limits. The current time scale for the project is: 2016 research to assess viability, public engagement and design of new speed limits; purchase of speed monitoring equipment for Comberton Community Speed Watch prepared application to be ready for County Council Local Highways Initiative funding; formally request support from Parish Council to financially support this application next budget year with ring fenced funding apply for County Council Local Highways Initiative funding, with the remainder of the costs made up by the Parish Council Outcome for County Council Local Highways Initiative funding, if positive County Council would then handle this work going forwards, if negative discuss this with Parish Council and plan how to fund going forwards. 2.1 Project Scope: Scope defines the boundaries of the project. It is important to clearly state both what is and is not within the scope of the project The project aims to reduce legal limits for traffic speeds in Comberton. It also includes some funding for a mobile interactive speed camera which is used to effectively reinforce speed limits. Funding is also included to boost public buyin after implementation as this will be an important part of ensuring the plan works and maintaining public support.

33 Some roads are not included either due to cost (Long Road) or due to the Highways team not allowing reductions on that stretch of road (parts of Barton Road and South Street). In these cases we propose what the Highways team allow us to. 2.2 Project Deliverables: Outline a list of the expected deliverables/products/outcomes that the proposed project must create or acquire The project has already produced research into the following: opinions and average speeds. Public engagement has included: posters prominently displayed, articles written for village newsletter, and 2 public information events. A map has been made to detail the planned speeds in the village, in consultation with the County Council Local Highways team. Next: Secure funding from Parish Council and County Council Implement Speed Reduction Plan Post-Speed Reduction Public Engagement 2.3 Project Timescales: Key Milestones achieved Projected milestones RAG Rating: Political and financial support from Comberton Parish Council for scoping work Late finish Risk - late finish Research: 2 opinion surveys, speed survey Secure funding from Parish Council for 2018 in 4 locations Budget Consulting with Highways department to Apply for County Council Local Highways formulate a plan Initiative funding in October 2018 Public engagement with residents Secure County Council Local Highways Initiative funding by Easter 2019 Formal letters of support received from 2020 implementation Meridian School PTA and from Comberton Village College Initial funding put aside on a multi-year basis to save towards scheme costs 2.4 Cost Breakdown Total Budget ( ) Spend to date ( ) Projected Spend ( ) RAG Rating: Over budget On target On time Under budget Research, public engagement and design costs: (check with Gail) Total cost of reduction: 29,980 Breakdown: Speed reduction: 24,480 Mobile interactive speed sign: 5,000 Post-implementation public engagement: 500 Check with Gail 0 Spending complete 2.5 Risks or decision for escalation to Comberton Parish Council Fully outline any risks or decisions that require escalation to Comberton Parish Council The main risk to this project is not securing funding, either from the Parish Council or from the County Council

34 Local Highways Initiative. In either case, it would be necessary to consult with the Parish Council to decide the best course for action. Another risk is that costs may have increased since 2016 when the scoping work was undertaken, so it is recommended that a financial buffer is put in place to cover this.