Agenda item

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place)

To consider the above petition bearing 662 signatures (512 paper and 150 e-signatures) which has been submitted by Councillor T Sawdon, a Wainbody Ward Councillor, who has been invited to the meeting for consideration of this item along with the petition organiser.

The Cabinet Member considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) concerning a petition bearing 662 signatures (512 paper and 150 e-signatures) which had been submitted by Councillor Sawdon, a Wainbody Ward Councillor, who spoke on behalf of the petitioners. The petition organiser, Lydia Barrow, was invited but was unable to attend. She had submitted her views in writing and these were read out at the meeting. The report had been requested by Councillor Sawdon prior to a determination letter being issued. The petitioners were requesting speed restrictions and a safe crossing on Cannon Hill Road.

The report indicated that Cannon Hill Road connected the A45 to Kenilworth Road (A429). The A45 was one of the busiest radial routes into and out of Coventry. The Kenilworth Road was also a busy road, also being one of the radial routes into and out of the city. Carriageway markings including ‘Dragons’ Teeth’ had been installed on the approaches to the bend on Cannon Hill Road.  In addition, two Vehicle Activated Signs (VAS) were operational on Cannon Hill Road.  A location plan was set out at an Appendix to the report.

The Cabinet Member had originally considered the petition requesting that the issue was dealt with by determination letter. A copy of the determination letter was set out at a second appendix. The letter informed that there has been one recorded personal injury collision on Cannon Hill Road in the last three years. Therefore, the road did not meet the safety scheme criteria for consideration for the installation of a crossing.  However, the location would be considered for a school-time advisory 20mph speed limit in the 2019/20 programme of works.

The petition also advised of concerns relating to large vehicles using Cannon Hill Road. A traffic survey was to be arranged in early 2019, and the results would be analysed to determine whether a weight restriction was suitable at the location.

The report also indicated that, subsequent to the receipt of the petition, a request was made to examine Cannon Hill Road’s junction with Kenilworth Road. Concerns highlighted parked vehicles at this junction advising they reduced visibility for drivers entering and exiting Cannon Hill Road. However double yellow lines for junction protection had already been installed at this location and site visits undertaken revealed no evidence of vehicles causing obstruction.

The statement from the petition organiser informed that, since the cessation of the school crossing patrol, the road had got busier and traffic speeds had increased, with the road being used as a rat run. Approximately 50% of the Cannon Hill Primary School’s pupils crossed this busy road so the petitioners were requesting a permanent crossing facility.

Councillor Sawdon informed of discussions between representatives at Warwick University and local residents which had resulted in a series of measures being drawn up. There was an acknowledgement of the opportunity for Section 106 funding to finance these works. He also informed of concerns about vehicles parking on the grass verge at the Kenilworth Road end of the street and the subsequent damage that was occurring.

RESOLVED that:

(1) The petitioners concerns be noted.

(2) The action confirmed by determination letter to the petition spokesperson, as detailed in paragraph 1.5 of the report, be endorsed.

(3) The ongoing discussions and work regarding future Section  106 funding for additional measures be noted.