Agenda item

Report of the Interim Director of Economic Growth.

To consider the above petition bearing 145 signatures.

The petition is being sponsored by Councillor J Innes, a Whoberley Ward Councillor, who has been invited to the meeting for the consideration of this item, along with the Petition Organiser.

The Cabinet Member for City Services considered a petition containing 145 signatures titled “Abercorn Road urgent action on speeding and parking issues”, requesting action on concerns regarding vehicle speeds and parking behaviour, particularly in the vicinity of All Souls Primary School.

The issues highlighted were investigated and a determination letter was issued on 23 April 2026 setting out the Council’s initial response.

Following the issue of the determination letter, the petition organisers indicated that they did not accept the outcome and requested that the matter be considered by the Cabinet Member for City Services.

Speed surveys undertaken as part of the investigation and showed that the overall 85 percentile speed in both directions is 24mph which is in the expected region for roads of this function. Higher speeds of up to 32.6mph were recorded around midnight; however, this is based on a very low flow of traffic within that hour period.

There have been no recorded personal injury collisions on Abercorn Road in the last three years. However, the road will continue to be monitored as part of the citywide annual review of personal injury collisions.

Multiple site visits to observe speeds and parking behaviours confirmed that a proportionate, phased approach is appropriate, focusing on improving parking, visibility, and safety in the vicinity of the school.

As a first step, in response to the parking concerns raised, School Keep Clear (SKC) markings have been advertised in May 2026. Objection period ended 11th June, and no objections were received on the proposals.

To complement the SKC markings and signs, while ‘School’ warning signs are already present in the immediate vicinity of the school, additional advance road markings (TSRGD 545) will be considered at appropriate upstream locations to provide earlier awareness to drivers approaching the site. This will allow drivers to adjust speed and behaviour in advance of reaching the school environment, supporting improved safety during peak periods. The precise location of road markings will be determined through site assessment to ensure optimal visibility and effectiveness.

Councillor J Innes attended the meeting and spoke on behalf of the Petition Organiser and the petitioners, expressing concerns around the following:

• The safety of the children, their families and staff at All Souls Primary School and also the residents in the area. 
• Parking for school drop off and pick up was challenging due to the number of dropped kerbs in the vicinity.
• The right angled bend adjacent to All Souls school which greatly visibility.

Councillor Innes welcomed the traffic calming measures detailed in the report, the suggestion of Splitter Islands and called for a 20mph speed limit to be introduced. In addition, Councillor Innes requested 2 post-supported flashing School Warning Signs be introduced on Abercorn Road, one towards the junction with Kingsland Avenue and one towards the junction with Maudslay Road.

In response to the Cabinet Members concerns, officers undertook to investigate increasing the enforcement team attendance in the area if necessary.

RESOLVED that the Cabinet Member for City Services:

1. Note the petitioners’ concerns.

2. Approve the phased approach to addressing parking and safety concerns as set out in this report.