Letter to West Berkshire Council Regarding the Compton 20mph Speed Limit Consultation

As a result of both the consultation responses received by West Berkshire Council and the correspondence received by Compton Parish Council, the Parish Council agreed to write to Councillor Richard Somner, the Portfolio Holder for Transport and Countryside at West Berkshire Council, regarding the Compton 20mph Speed Limit Consultation. This letter is shown below.

Dear Cllr Somner,

Compton Parish Council has requested I write to you with regards to the Compton 20mph Speed Limit Consultation.

As a consequence of this consultation and alongside responses sent directly to the Parish Council, it is apparent that many residents feel the 20mph speed limit proposal does not go far enough to enable a significant improvement throughout the village.

Concerns expressed relate to the observed excessive speed of vehicles from the stretch between the shops on the High Street to leaving the village in the direction of East Ilsley. Also particular pertinent concerns that the start point by the Primary School will result in a large number of vehicles diverting along Burrell Road, effectively creating a ‘rat run’. Some residents are seeking a greater understanding as to the evaluation and decision process undertaken and concluding with the proposed method of traffic calming.

The Council would like to highlight that the original request was for two areas of 20mph speed limit around the primary school on School Road and by the shop area to also cover the pedestrian entrance to the Doctors Surgery on the High Street. Whilst they understand Highways need to combine the two sections of 20mph speed limit, the current proposal fails to address the safety of pedestrians (some vulnerable) at the entrance to the Doctors Surgery.

The Council also wishes to raise its concerns with the process undertaken in signing off the report on this consultation. The report was issued to Compton Parish Council on 12th August, with a requirement for comments to be submitted by 18th August. The process for a Parish Council to be able to respond to the report requires a formal meeting of the Council in order for a properly tabled agenda item to be considered. Had it even been possible to issue an agenda on the day the report was received, allowing no time to arrange a meeting during the summer holidays, a difficult time to ensure that enough Members are available to attend, the Council would only just have met the required deadline by holding a meeting on the only date available (16th August) during the time period allowed. A request was made for an extension to this deadline; however, the Council was informed that no extension could be made.

The consultation closed on 15th February. The Council waited almost 6 months for the report on this consultation and are appalled by the contempt they feel they have been shown in the lack of time given to respond to the report before it is signed off.

It should also be noted that if the speed survey data available to West Berkshire Council had been shared promptly with Compton Parish Council, the reservations now expressed would have emerged much earlier, saving West Berkshire Council resources.

Compton Parish Council, in consultation with the residents of the Parish of Compton, request that the relevant officers attend a public meeting, to be organised by Compton Parish Council, in order to discuss the proposals and potential alternatives within the village, including the possibility of revisiting the points the speed limit extends to and alternative methods of traffic calming. The Council requests this meeting is held before this report is signed off and the next steps taken by West Berkshire Council. This is an issue which has split the village and there will be significant scrutiny of this proposal from people in support and in opposition of the proposal. This is therefore a key reason as to why the Council feel a public meeting is required.