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(2) if he will place in the Library a copy of the document setting out the criteria used to determine the location of zebra and pelican crossings in Northern Ireland; what the requirements are for the minimum distance from which such crossings must be visible to oncoming motorists; and if...
(2) if he will place in the Library a copy of the document setting out the criteria used to determine the location of zebra and pelican crossings in Northern Ireland; what the requirements are for the minimum distance from which such crossings must be visible to oncoming motorists; and if...
Asked by
Andrew Mackinlay
(Labour)
Answered by
Lord Hain
(Labour)
Answering body
Northern Ireland Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
30 April 2007
For answer on
3 May 2007
Answered on
8 May 2007
The Chief Executive of Roads Service (Dr. Malcolm McKibbin) was asked to write to the hon. Gentleman in response to these questions. A copy of his reply, dated 4 May, is as follows.This matter is now the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Administration.Letter from Dr. Malcolm McKibbin, dated 4 May 2007:"You recently asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland two Parliamentary Questions regarding:""1. which public consultations the Roads Service of Northern Ireland and the Department of the Environment has conducted in the past 12 months on the location of new zebra and pelican crossings; what the time period was of such consultation; what steps were taken to ensure that nearby individuals and businesses were invited to participate in the consultation; and if he will make a statement; and""2. if he will place in the Library a copy of the document setting out the criteria used to determine the location of zebra and pelican crossings in Northern Ireland; what the requirements are for the minimum distance from which such crossings must be visible to oncoming motorists; and if he will make a statement.""As this issue falls within my responsibility as Chief Executive of the Department for Regional Development’s Roads Service, I have been asked to reply.""I should explain that Roads Service’s policy in relation to pedestrian crossings is to provide such facilities where there is an identifiable need and where the conditions at any potential site make it difficult for pedestrians and cyclists to cross the road. An integral part of the process is an assessment of the ‘demand’ and ‘difficulty’ of crossing the road at the location concerned. The initial part of our assessment process uses the number of pedestrians (the initial demand factor) and the volume of traffic (the initial difficulty factor) to give an indication of the potential ‘conflict’ at a site. The assessment of the need for a crossing is then supplemented using a scorecard, which assigns scores to various other ‘demand’ and ‘difficulty’ factors, including collision history at the site. This policy is designed to assess the need and to prioritise locations ““where pedestrians encounter difficulties in crossing the road due to the high volumes of vehicular traffic. This is applied consistently and impartially when assessing all requests in Northern Ireland, so that available funding can be directed at those sites with the greatest need.""Attached for information is a copy of our public information leaflet on Controlled Pedestrian Crossings (a copy will be placed in the House of Commons Library).""There is no statutory requirement for Roads Service to formerly consult on proposals to construct traffic management features such as pedestrian crossings. However, our policy is to carry out informal consultations with the police and frontages along the length of road affected by any proposal. There is no set period for this consultation. The list at Appendix 1 details the locations of proposed zebra and pelican pedestrian crossings where consultations were carried out in 2006/07 financial year.""The requirements for the minimum distance from which all types of crossings must be visible to oncoming motorists depends on the approach speed of vehicles in the vicinity of a proposed crossings and are detailed below."
| All types of crossings—visibility requirements | ||||||
| 85 percentile approach speed (m.p.h.) | 25 | 30 | 35 | 40 | 45 | 50 |
| Desirable minimum visibility (metres) | 50 | 65 | 80 | 100 | 125 | 150 |
| Absolute minimum visibility (metres) | 40 | 50 | 65 | 80 | 95 | 115 |
Subjects
Roads Service
Date
8 May 2007
Reference
135597; 460 c3-5W;460 c3-6W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) which public consultations the Roads Service of Northern Ireland and the Department of the Environment has conducted in the past 12 months on the location of new zebra and pelican crossings; what the time period was of such consultation; what...
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) which public consultations the Roads Service of Northern Ireland and the Department of the Environment has conducted in the past 12 months on the location of new zebra and pelican crossings; what the time period was of such consultation; what...
Asked by
Andrew Mackinlay
(Labour)
Answered by
Lord Hain
(Labour)
Answering body
Northern Ireland Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
30 April 2007
For answer on
3 May 2007
Answered on
8 May 2007
The Chief Executive of Roads Service (Dr. Malcolm McKibbin) was asked to write to the hon. Gentleman in response to these questions. A copy of his reply, dated 4 May, is as follows.This matter is now the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Administration.Letter from Dr. Malcolm McKibbin, dated 4 May 2007:"You recently asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland two Parliamentary Questions regarding:""1. which public consultations the Roads Service of Northern Ireland and the Department of the Environment has conducted in the past 12 months on the location of new zebra and pelican crossings; what the time period was of such consultation; what steps were taken to ensure that nearby individuals and businesses were invited to participate in the consultation; and if he will make a statement; and""2. if he will place in the Library a copy of the document setting out the criteria used to determine the location of zebra and pelican crossings in Northern Ireland; what the requirements are for the minimum distance from which such crossings must be visible to oncoming motorists; and if he will make a statement.""As this issue falls within my responsibility as Chief Executive of the Department for Regional Development’s Roads Service, I have been asked to reply.""I should explain that Roads Service’s policy in relation to pedestrian crossings is to provide such facilities where there is an identifiable need and where the conditions at any potential site make it difficult for pedestrians and cyclists to cross the road. An integral part of the process is an assessment of the ‘demand’ and ‘difficulty’ of crossing the road at the location concerned. The initial part of our assessment process uses the number of pedestrians (the initial demand factor) and the volume of traffic (the initial difficulty factor) to give an indication of the potential ‘conflict’ at a site. The assessment of the need for a crossing is then supplemented using a scorecard, which assigns scores to various other ‘demand’ and ‘difficulty’ factors, including collision history at the site. This policy is designed to assess the need and to prioritise locations ““where pedestrians encounter difficulties in crossing the road due to the high volumes of vehicular traffic. This is applied consistently and impartially when assessing all requests in Northern Ireland, so that available funding can be directed at those sites with the greatest need.""Attached for information is a copy of our public information leaflet on Controlled Pedestrian Crossings (a copy will be placed in the House of Commons Library).""There is no statutory requirement for Roads Service to formerly consult on proposals to construct traffic management features such as pedestrian crossings. However, our policy is to carry out informal consultations with the police and frontages along the length of road affected by any proposal. There is no set period for this consultation. The list at Appendix 1 details the locations of proposed zebra and pelican pedestrian crossings where consultations were carried out in 2006/07 financial year.""The requirements for the minimum distance from which all types of crossings must be visible to oncoming motorists depends on the approach speed of vehicles in the vicinity of a proposed crossings and are detailed below."
| All types of crossings—visibility requirements | ||||||
| 85 percentile approach speed (m.p.h.) | 25 | 30 | 35 | 40 | 45 | 50 |
| Desirable minimum visibility (metres) | 50 | 65 | 80 | 100 | 125 | 150 |
| Absolute minimum visibility (metres) | 40 | 50 | 65 | 80 | 95 | 115 |
Subjects
Roads Service
Date
8 May 2007
Reference
135595; 460 c3-5W;460 c3-6W
House
House of Commons
asked Her Majesty's Government:What plans they have to provide traffic-calming measures in the Ballyhackamore area of Belfast; and what is the timescale for such measures.
asked Her Majesty's Government:What plans they have to provide traffic-calming measures in the Ballyhackamore area of Belfast; and what is the timescale for such measures.
Asked by
Lord Laird
(Crossbench)
Answered by
Lord Rooker
(Labour)
Answering body
Roads Service
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Answered on
25 April 2007
The chief executive of Roads Service (Dr Malcolm McKibbin) has been asked to write to the noble Lord in response to these questions.
Letter from Dr Malcolm McKibbin to Lord Laird dated April/May 2007.
You recently asked Her Majesty's Government a Parliamentary Question regarding, what plans they have to provide traffic-calming measures in the Ballyhackamore area of Belfast; and what is the timescale for such measures. As this issue falls within my responsibility as chief executive of Roads Service, I have been asked to reply.
In my letter dated 6 November 2006, in response to your previous Parliamentary Question relating to this issue (HL 8130), I listed the streets in the Ballyhackamore area that our local officials had assessed for traffic-calming measures.
I am pleased to advise that the consultative and legislative processes have now been successfully completed for Holland Drive, Kirkliston Park, Hewitt Parade, Enid Drive and Enid Parade. Traffic-calming measures on these streets are programmed for completion before the end of May 2007.
There are, however, a number of outstanding objections relating to the provision of traffic-calming measures on Earlswood Road, Belmont Church Road and Sydenham Avenue, and at present no decision has been taken whether to proceed with traffic-calming measures on these streets.
In Clonlee Drive and Irwin Avenue, scores from assessments were sufficient to merit the inclusion of schemes in the 2007-08 traffic-calming programme. However, as with all works of this nature, implementation of any proposal is subject to the successful completion of the consultative and legislative processes. I am therefore unable to confirm at this time whether these schemes will be implemented.
Preliminary assessment scores of Dundela Avenue, Dundela Gardens, Belmont Avenue and Halstein Drive indicate that schemes at these locations would not be as high a priority when compared to other competing sites in our eastern division. While we do not have any plans at present to provide traffic-calming measures at these locations, they will however remain on our list for possible inclusion in future years.
Subjects
Belfast; Safety measures; Roads; Road traffic control
Date
25 April 2007
Reference
3232; 691 c144-5WA
House
House of Lords
(3) if he will allocate funding to provide pedestrian crossing on the High Donaghadee Road in Bangor, near to Montgomery Court;
(3) if he will allocate funding to provide pedestrian crossing on the High Donaghadee Road in Bangor, near to Montgomery Court;
Asked by
Lady Hermon
(Ulster Unionist Party)
Answered by
David Cairns
(Labour)
Answering body
Northern Ireland Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
17 April 2007
For answer on
19 April 2007
Answered on
25 April 2007
The Chief Executive of Roads Service (Dr. Malcolm McKibbin) has been asked to write to the hon. Lady in response to this question.Letter from Dr. Malcolm McKibbin, dated 24 April 2007:"You recently asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 4 Parliamentary Questions regarding:""how many complaints his Department has received about the lack of pedestrian crossing provision on the High Donaghadee Road in Bangor, near to Montgomery Court. (133111)""what assessment he has made of the health and safety implications of the lack of pedestrian crossing provision on the High Donaghadee Road in Bangor, near to Montgomery Court. (133115)""if he will allocate funding to provide pedestrian crossing on the High Donaghadee Road in Bangor, near to Montgomery Court. (133116)""what the (a) date, (b) time, (c) duration and (d) nature was of surveys carried out on the High Donaghadee Road in Bangor, near Montgomery Court, in order to assess the need or a pedestrian crossing in the provision of this location. (133389)""As this issue falls within my responsibility as Chief Executive of Roads Service, I have been asked to reply.""I should explain that Roads Service’s policy in relation to pedestrian crossings is to provide such facilities where there is an identifiable need and where the conditions at any potential site make it difficult for pedestrians and cyclists to cross the road. An integral part of the process is an assessment of the ‘demand’ and ‘difficulty’ of crossing the road at the location concerned. The initial part of our assessment process uses the number of pedestrians (the initial demand factor) and the volume of traffic (the initial difficulty factor) to give an indication of the potential ‘conflict’ at a site. The assessment of the need for a crossing is then supplemented using a scorecard, which assigns scores to various other ‘demand’ and ‘difficulty’ factors, including collision history at the site. This policy is designed to assess the need and to prioritise locations where pedestrians encounter difficulties in crossing the road due to the high volumes of vehicular traffic. This is applied consistently and impartially when assessing all requests in Northern Ireland, so that available funding can be directed at those with the greatest need.""With regard to the number of complaints received in relation to the lack of crossing facilities on the High Donaghadee Road between the roundabout with the East Circular road and the junction with the Ballycrochan Road, I can advise that since September 2005, five individuals have corresponded with Roads Service over this issue. In total these five people have written on nine occasions, with one resident including a petition of approximately 150 signatures. Roads Service has no record of complaints about the lack of pedestrian crossing facilities at this location prior to 2005.""In relation to health and safety implications, I am advised that survey observations, obtained as part of the process for determining the need for a controlled pedestrian crossing facility, concluded that there were a very small number of pedestrians wishing to cross the road at this location and as such, it was considered that there was little conflict between pedestrians and vehicular traffic.""In light of the survey findings, I am afraid that it is not possible to make funding available for a controlled pedestrian crossing facility at this location at this time. However, in such circumstances Roads Service may consider other measures to assist pedestrians, such as footway build-outs and central refuge islands, which shorten the crossing width and improve visibility thereby reducing the crossing difficulty. Central refuges can be particularly useful to vulnerable pedestrians such as elderly people.""I am pleased to advise you that Roads Service is presently designing such a scheme for this location. However, I have to stress that this proposal is at a very early stage and will require a degree of public consultation prior to the detailed layout being finalised. Hopefully we will be able to complete this work within the current financial year.""Finally, with regard to your enquiry for details of the surveys, I can advise that they were carried out on the High Donaghadee Road, between Ballymaconnell Road South and Ballycrochan Road, on 7 September 2005 between 8 and 10 am, on 3 October 2005 between 2 and 4 pm and on 5 October 2005 between 4 and 6 pm. Surveys were also carried out on the High Donaghadee Road, between Ashford Drive and Kilmaine Road, on 9 November 2005 between 4 and 6 pm and on 10 November 2005 between 8 and 10 am. These surveys involved the counting of vehicles passing along the High Donaghadee Road and the numbers of pedestrians crossing within 50m either side of the centre of the survey zone."
Subjects
Pedestrian crossings; Bangor (County Down)
Date
25 April 2007
Reference
133116; 459 c1130-2W
House
House of Commons
(2) what assessment he has made of the health and safety implications of the lack of pedestrian crossing provision on the High Donaghadee Road in Bangor, near to Montgomery Court;
(2) what assessment he has made of the health and safety implications of the lack of pedestrian crossing provision on the High Donaghadee Road in Bangor, near to Montgomery Court;
Asked by
Lady Hermon
(Ulster Unionist Party)
Answered by
David Cairns
(Labour)
Answering body
Northern Ireland Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
17 April 2007
For answer on
19 April 2007
Answered on
25 April 2007
The Chief Executive of Roads Service (Dr. Malcolm McKibbin) has been asked to write to the hon. Lady in response to this question.Letter from Dr. Malcolm McKibbin, dated 24 April 2007:"You recently asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 4 Parliamentary Questions regarding:""how many complaints his Department has received about the lack of pedestrian crossing provision on the High Donaghadee Road in Bangor, near to Montgomery Court. (133111)""what assessment he has made of the health and safety implications of the lack of pedestrian crossing provision on the High Donaghadee Road in Bangor, near to Montgomery Court. (133115)""if he will allocate funding to provide pedestrian crossing on the High Donaghadee Road in Bangor, near to Montgomery Court. (133116)""what the (a) date, (b) time, (c) duration and (d) nature was of surveys carried out on the High Donaghadee Road in Bangor, near Montgomery Court, in order to assess the need or a pedestrian crossing in the provision of this location. (133389)""As this issue falls within my responsibility as Chief Executive of Roads Service, I have been asked to reply.""I should explain that Roads Service’s policy in relation to pedestrian crossings is to provide such facilities where there is an identifiable need and where the conditions at any potential site make it difficult for pedestrians and cyclists to cross the road. An integral part of the process is an assessment of the ‘demand’ and ‘difficulty’ of crossing the road at the location concerned. The initial part of our assessment process uses the number of pedestrians (the initial demand factor) and the volume of traffic (the initial difficulty factor) to give an indication of the potential ‘conflict’ at a site. The assessment of the need for a crossing is then supplemented using a scorecard, which assigns scores to various other ‘demand’ and ‘difficulty’ factors, including collision history at the site. This policy is designed to assess the need and to prioritise locations where pedestrians encounter difficulties in crossing the road due to the high volumes of vehicular traffic. This is applied consistently and impartially when assessing all requests in Northern Ireland, so that available funding can be directed at those with the greatest need.""With regard to the number of complaints received in relation to the lack of crossing facilities on the High Donaghadee Road between the roundabout with the East Circular road and the junction with the Ballycrochan Road, I can advise that since September 2005, five individuals have corresponded with Roads Service over this issue. In total these five people have written on nine occasions, with one resident including a petition of approximately 150 signatures. Roads Service has no record of complaints about the lack of pedestrian crossing facilities at this location prior to 2005.""In relation to health and safety implications, I am advised that survey observations, obtained as part of the process for determining the need for a controlled pedestrian crossing facility, concluded that there were a very small number of pedestrians wishing to cross the road at this location and as such, it was considered that there was little conflict between pedestrians and vehicular traffic.""In light of the survey findings, I am afraid that it is not possible to make funding available for a controlled pedestrian crossing facility at this location at this time. However, in such circumstances Roads Service may consider other measures to assist pedestrians, such as footway build-outs and central refuge islands, which shorten the crossing width and improve visibility thereby reducing the crossing difficulty. Central refuges can be particularly useful to vulnerable pedestrians such as elderly people.""I am pleased to advise you that Roads Service is presently designing such a scheme for this location. However, I have to stress that this proposal is at a very early stage and will require a degree of public consultation prior to the detailed layout being finalised. Hopefully we will be able to complete this work within the current financial year.""Finally, with regard to your enquiry for details of the surveys, I can advise that they were carried out on the High Donaghadee Road, between Ballymaconnell Road South and Ballycrochan Road, on 7 September 2005 between 8 and 10 am, on 3 October 2005 between 2 and 4 pm and on 5 October 2005 between 4 and 6 pm. Surveys were also carried out on the High Donaghadee Road, between Ashford Drive and Kilmaine Road, on 9 November 2005 between 4 and 6 pm and on 10 November 2005 between 8 and 10 am. These surveys involved the counting of vehicles passing along the High Donaghadee Road and the numbers of pedestrians crossing within 50m either side of the centre of the survey zone."
Subjects
Pedestrian crossings; Bangor (County Down)
Date
25 April 2007
Reference
133115; 459 c1130-2W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how many complaints his Department has received about the lack of pedestrian crossing provision on the High Donaghadee Road in Bangor, near to Montgomery Court;
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how many complaints his Department has received about the lack of pedestrian crossing provision on the High Donaghadee Road in Bangor, near to Montgomery Court;
Asked by
Lady Hermon
(Ulster Unionist Party)
Answered by
David Cairns
(Labour)
Answering body
Northern Ireland Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
17 April 2007
For answer on
19 April 2007
Answered on
25 April 2007
The Chief Executive of Roads Service (Dr. Malcolm McKibbin) has been asked to write to the hon. Lady in response to this question.Letter from Dr. Malcolm McKibbin, dated 24 April 2007:"You recently asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 4 Parliamentary Questions regarding:""how many complaints his Department has received about the lack of pedestrian crossing provision on the High Donaghadee Road in Bangor, near to Montgomery Court. (133111)""what assessment he has made of the health and safety implications of the lack of pedestrian crossing provision on the High Donaghadee Road in Bangor, near to Montgomery Court. (133115)""if he will allocate funding to provide pedestrian crossing on the High Donaghadee Road in Bangor, near to Montgomery Court. (133116)""what the (a) date, (b) time, (c) duration and (d) nature was of surveys carried out on the High Donaghadee Road in Bangor, near Montgomery Court, in order to assess the need or a pedestrian crossing in the provision of this location. (133389)""As this issue falls within my responsibility as Chief Executive of Roads Service, I have been asked to reply.""I should explain that Roads Service’s policy in relation to pedestrian crossings is to provide such facilities where there is an identifiable need and where the conditions at any potential site make it difficult for pedestrians and cyclists to cross the road. An integral part of the process is an assessment of the ‘demand’ and ‘difficulty’ of crossing the road at the location concerned. The initial part of our assessment process uses the number of pedestrians (the initial demand factor) and the volume of traffic (the initial difficulty factor) to give an indication of the potential ‘conflict’ at a site. The assessment of the need for a crossing is then supplemented using a scorecard, which assigns scores to various other ‘demand’ and ‘difficulty’ factors, including collision history at the site. This policy is designed to assess the need and to prioritise locations where pedestrians encounter difficulties in crossing the road due to the high volumes of vehicular traffic. This is applied consistently and impartially when assessing all requests in Northern Ireland, so that available funding can be directed at those with the greatest need.""With regard to the number of complaints received in relation to the lack of crossing facilities on the High Donaghadee Road between the roundabout with the East Circular road and the junction with the Ballycrochan Road, I can advise that since September 2005, five individuals have corresponded with Roads Service over this issue. In total these five people have written on nine occasions, with one resident including a petition of approximately 150 signatures. Roads Service has no record of complaints about the lack of pedestrian crossing facilities at this location prior to 2005.""In relation to health and safety implications, I am advised that survey observations, obtained as part of the process for determining the need for a controlled pedestrian crossing facility, concluded that there were a very small number of pedestrians wishing to cross the road at this location and as such, it was considered that there was little conflict between pedestrians and vehicular traffic.""In light of the survey findings, I am afraid that it is not possible to make funding available for a controlled pedestrian crossing facility at this location at this time. However, in such circumstances Roads Service may consider other measures to assist pedestrians, such as footway build-outs and central refuge islands, which shorten the crossing width and improve visibility thereby reducing the crossing difficulty. Central refuges can be particularly useful to vulnerable pedestrians such as elderly people.""I am pleased to advise you that Roads Service is presently designing such a scheme for this location. However, I have to stress that this proposal is at a very early stage and will require a degree of public consultation prior to the detailed layout being finalised. Hopefully we will be able to complete this work within the current financial year.""Finally, with regard to your enquiry for details of the surveys, I can advise that they were carried out on the High Donaghadee Road, between Ballymaconnell Road South and Ballycrochan Road, on 7 September 2005 between 8 and 10 am, on 3 October 2005 between 2 and 4 pm and on 5 October 2005 between 4 and 6 pm. Surveys were also carried out on the High Donaghadee Road, between Ashford Drive and Kilmaine Road, on 9 November 2005 between 4 and 6 pm and on 10 November 2005 between 8 and 10 am. These surveys involved the counting of vehicles passing along the High Donaghadee Road and the numbers of pedestrians crossing within 50m either side of the centre of the survey zone."
Subjects
Pedestrian crossings; Bangor (County Down)
Date
25 April 2007
Reference
133111; 459 c1130-2W
House
House of Commons
(4) what the (a) date, (b) time, (c) duration and (d) nature was of each survey carried out on the High Donaghadee Road in Bangor, near Montgomery Court, in order to assess the need for a pedestrian crossing in the provision at this location;
(4) what the (a) date, (b) time, (c) duration and (d) nature was of each survey carried out on the High Donaghadee Road in Bangor, near Montgomery Court, in order to assess the need for a pedestrian crossing in the provision at this location;
Asked by
Lady Hermon
(Ulster Unionist Party)
Answered by
David Cairns
(Labour)
Answering body
Northern Ireland Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
18 April 2007
For answer on
20 April 2007
Answered on
25 April 2007
The Chief Executive of Roads Service (Dr. Malcolm McKibbin) has been asked to write to the hon. Lady in response to this question.Letter from Dr. Malcolm McKibbin, dated 24 April 2007:"You recently asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 4 Parliamentary Questions regarding:""how many complaints his Department has received about the lack of pedestrian crossing provision on the High Donaghadee Road in Bangor, near to Montgomery Court. (133111)""what assessment he has made of the health and safety implications of the lack of pedestrian crossing provision on the High Donaghadee Road in Bangor, near to Montgomery Court. (133115)""if he will allocate funding to provide pedestrian crossing on the High Donaghadee Road in Bangor, near to Montgomery Court. (133116)""what the (a) date, (b) time, (c) duration and (d) nature was of surveys carried out on the High Donaghadee Road in Bangor, near Montgomery Court, in order to assess the need or a pedestrian crossing in the provision of this location. (133389)""As this issue falls within my responsibility as Chief Executive of Roads Service, I have been asked to reply.""I should explain that Roads Service’s policy in relation to pedestrian crossings is to provide such facilities where there is an identifiable need and where the conditions at any potential site make it difficult for pedestrians and cyclists to cross the road. An integral part of the process is an assessment of the ‘demand’ and ‘difficulty’ of crossing the road at the location concerned. The initial part of our assessment process uses the number of pedestrians (the initial demand factor) and the volume of traffic (the initial difficulty factor) to give an indication of the potential ‘conflict’ at a site. The assessment of the need for a crossing is then supplemented using a scorecard, which assigns scores to various other ‘demand’ and ‘difficulty’ factors, including collision history at the site. This policy is designed to assess the need and to prioritise locations where pedestrians encounter difficulties in crossing the road due to the high volumes of vehicular traffic. This is applied consistently and impartially when assessing all requests in Northern Ireland, so that available funding can be directed at those with the greatest need.""With regard to the number of complaints received in relation to the lack of crossing facilities on the High Donaghadee Road between the roundabout with the East Circular road and the junction with the Ballycrochan Road, I can advise that since September 2005, five individuals have corresponded with Roads Service over this issue. In total these five people have written on nine occasions, with one resident including a petition of approximately 150 signatures. Roads Service has no record of complaints about the lack of pedestrian crossing facilities at this location prior to 2005.""In relation to health and safety implications, I am advised that survey observations, obtained as part of the process for determining the need for a controlled pedestrian crossing facility, concluded that there were a very small number of pedestrians wishing to cross the road at this location and as such, it was considered that there was little conflict between pedestrians and vehicular traffic.""In light of the survey findings, I am afraid that it is not possible to make funding available for a controlled pedestrian crossing facility at this location at this time. However, in such circumstances Roads Service may consider other measures to assist pedestrians, such as footway build-outs and central refuge islands, which shorten the crossing width and improve visibility thereby reducing the crossing difficulty. Central refuges can be particularly useful to vulnerable pedestrians such as elderly people.""I am pleased to advise you that Roads Service is presently designing such a scheme for this location. However, I have to stress that this proposal is at a very early stage and will require a degree of public consultation prior to the detailed layout being finalised. Hopefully we will be able to complete this work within the current financial year.""Finally, with regard to your enquiry for details of the surveys, I can advise that they were carried out on the High Donaghadee Road, between Ballymaconnell Road South and Ballycrochan Road, on 7 September 2005 between 8 and 10 am, on 3 October 2005 between 2 and 4 pm and on 5 October 2005 between 4 and 6 pm. Surveys were also carried out on the High Donaghadee Road, between Ashford Drive and Kilmaine Road, on 9 November 2005 between 4 and 6 pm and on 10 November 2005 between 8 and 10 am. These surveys involved the counting of vehicles passing along the High Donaghadee Road and the numbers of pedestrians crossing within 50m either side of the centre of the survey zone."
Subjects
Pedestrian crossings; Bangor (County Down)
Date
25 April 2007
Reference
133389; 459 c1130-2W
House
House of Commons
What are the security arrangements for guarding the carriageway currently under construction between Newry and Dundalk during the hours of darkness.
What are the security arrangements for guarding the carriageway currently under construction between Newry and Dundalk during the hours of darkness.
Asked by
Lord Laird
(Crossbench)
Answered by
Lord Rooker
(Labour)
Answering body
Roads Service
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Answered on
18 April 2007
The chief executive of Roads Service (Dr Malcolm McKibbin) has been asked to write to the noble Lord in response to these questions.
Letter from Dr Malcolm McKibbin to Lord Laird, dated April 2007.
You recently asked Her Majesty's Government two Parliamentary Questions regarding:
i. whether they have any evidence that illegal waste from the Republic of Ireland is being deposited under the carriageway which is currently being constructed between Newry and Dundalk; and, if not, whether they will carry out tests to verify whether such dumping has taken place.; and
ii. what are the security arrangements for guarding the carriageway currently under construction between Newry and Dundalk during the hours of darkness.
As this issue falls within my responsibility as chief executive of Roads Service, I have been asked to reply.
I can advise that neither Roads Service, our technical advisors, who are monitoring the construction of the A1 Cloghogue to the border dual carriageway (part of the A1/N1 Newry to Dundalk link road), nor the contractor, have any evidence that illegal waste from the Republic of Ireland is being deposited under the carriageway currently being constructed. Therefore, in the absence of any evidence that might indicate the location where such waste may have been deposited, I regret that I am unable to justify the significant costs of carrying out tests along the 4.5 km stretch of the road scheme located within Northern Ireland, to investigate whether such dumping has taken place.
However, I can advise that the new dual carriageway is being constructed through the site of a rubbish tip in an old quarry at Mount Pleasant in County Louth, in the Republic of Ireland. I am advised that the material that is below the footprint of the road at this location is being processed on site. This is in line with current good practice and in consultation with Louth County Council (the client for the section of the road scheme south of the border, and the local authority with responsibility for matters relating to waste). While suitable material arising from this process is being incorporated in the works south of the border, unsuitable waste material is being removed to a licensed land fill site in County Louth.
As regards the security arrangements for the dual carriageway construction site between Newry and Dundalk, I should advise that, while Roads Service's technical advisors are on site monitoring the construction, this is not normally during the hours of darkness. Security of the site is primarily a matter for the contractor, and in this respect the contractor advises that the site is secured at the end of each day and security personnel are engaged to patrol during the hours of darkness.
Subjects
Construction; Fly-tipping; Northern Ireland; Republic of Ireland; Security; Roads
Date
18 April 2007
Reference
3067; 691 c80-1WA
House
House of Lords
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they have any evidence that illegal waste from the Republic of Ireland is being deposited under the carriageway which is currently being constructed between Newry and Dundalk; and, if not, whether they will carry out tests to verify whether such dumping has taken place; and
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they have any evidence that illegal waste from the Republic of Ireland is being deposited under the carriageway which is currently being constructed between Newry and Dundalk; and, if not, whether they will carry out tests to verify whether such dumping has taken place; and
Asked by
Lord Laird
(Crossbench)
Answered by
Lord Rooker
(Labour)
Answering body
Roads Service
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Answered on
18 April 2007
The chief executive of Roads Service (Dr Malcolm McKibbin) has been asked to write to the noble Lord in response to these questions.
Letter from Dr Malcolm McKibbin to Lord Laird, dated April 2007.
You recently asked Her Majesty's Government two Parliamentary Questions regarding:
i. whether they have any evidence that illegal waste from the Republic of Ireland is being deposited under the carriageway which is currently being constructed between Newry and Dundalk; and, if not, whether they will carry out tests to verify whether such dumping has taken place.; and
ii. what are the security arrangements for guarding the carriageway currently under construction between Newry and Dundalk during the hours of darkness.
As this issue falls within my responsibility as chief executive of Roads Service, I have been asked to reply.
I can advise that neither Roads Service, our technical advisors, who are monitoring the construction of the A1 Cloghogue to the border dual carriageway (part of the A1/N1 Newry to Dundalk link road), nor the contractor, have any evidence that illegal waste from the Republic of Ireland is being deposited under the carriageway currently being constructed. Therefore, in the absence of any evidence that might indicate the location where such waste may have been deposited, I regret that I am unable to justify the significant costs of carrying out tests along the 4.5 km stretch of the road scheme located within Northern Ireland, to investigate whether such dumping has taken place.
However, I can advise that the new dual carriageway is being constructed through the site of a rubbish tip in an old quarry at Mount Pleasant in County Louth, in the Republic of Ireland. I am advised that the material that is below the footprint of the road at this location is being processed on site. This is in line with current good practice and in consultation with Louth County Council (the client for the section of the road scheme south of the border, and the local authority with responsibility for matters relating to waste). While suitable material arising from this process is being incorporated in the works south of the border, unsuitable waste material is being removed to a licensed land fill site in County Louth.
As regards the security arrangements for the dual carriageway construction site between Newry and Dundalk, I should advise that, while Roads Service's technical advisors are on site monitoring the construction, this is not normally during the hours of darkness. Security of the site is primarily a matter for the contractor, and in this respect the contractor advises that the site is secured at the end of each day and security personnel are engaged to patrol during the hours of darkness.
Subjects
Construction; Fly-tipping; Northern Ireland; Republic of Ireland; Security; Roads
Date
18 April 2007
Reference
3066; 691 c80-1WA
House
House of Lords
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on which roads in Northern Ireland a 20 mile per hour speed limit is imposed; and what assessment he has made of the effect on road safety at each location of such a limit.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on which roads in Northern Ireland a 20 mile per hour speed limit is imposed; and what assessment he has made of the effect on road safety at each location of such a limit.
Asked by
Lady Hermon
(Ulster Unionist Party)
Answered by
David Cairns
(Labour)
Answering body
Northern Ireland Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
20 March 2007
For answer on
22 March 2007
Answered on
16 April 2007
The Chief Executive of Roads Service (Dr. Malcolm McKibbin) has been asked to write to the hon. Lady in response to this question.Letter from Dr. McKibbin, dated 3 April 2007:"You recently asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland a Parliamentary Question regarding, on which roads in Northern Ireland a 20 mile per hour speed limit is imposed; and what assessment he has made of the effect on road safety at each location of such a limit.""As this issue falls within my responsibility as Chief Executive of Roads Service, I have been asked to reply.""By way of background, I should explain that a 20 mph speed limit is not normally introduced on individual roads. It is more common to introduce 20 mph zones, which are a form of traffic calming in residential areas where an extensive network of streets is involved and where self-enforcing measures can be provided to reduce vehicle speeds to approximately 20mph. Where speeds have been reduced to 20 mph by self-enforcing measures, it is then possible to introduce a mandatory 20 mph limit. However, if the level of traffic calming measures is insufficient to reduce speeds to around 20 mph, then it is unlikely that the Police Service of Northern Ireland would agree to the introduction of a mandatory 20 mph limit.""Roads Service has implemented forty-eight 20 mph residential zones, the locations of which are listed in the following table. In addition, Roads Service is currently progressing a 20 mph zone for the Scrabo Estate, in Newtownards, through the approval stage.""Roads Service currently monitors the effectiveness of all traffic calming schemes, including 20 mph zones, and this information is published in our annual Road Safety Engineering Report, a copy of which can be obtained from our website at: http://www.roadsni.gov.uk/Publications/specific/RoadSafetyEngReport0405-0506.pdf or by writing to Mr Brian Maxwell, Network Traffic Telematics Manager, Traffic Information and Control Centre, 1b Airport Road, Belfast, BT3 9DY. For each scheme, the number of injury collisions occurring over the three year period following introduction of a scheme, is compared with the collision history for a similar period prior to the works.""At fourteen of the above forty-eight locations, where full monitoring data is available, there have been 88 fewer collisions involving an injury. This equates to a 32% reduction compared with a similar period before introduction of the 20 mph zones."
| Town/City | Residential Area |
| Armagh | Lisanally Lane |
| Ballynahinch | Loughside Drive/Windmill Avenue—Carlisle Road/Windmill Gardens |
| Belfast | Anderstown area |
| Ballymurphy area | |
| Mersey Street/Severn Street | |
| Riverdale Park | |
| Holylands area | |
| Taughmonagh | |
| Donegall Roads/The Village | |
| Ardoyne area | |
| Turf Lodge | |
| Ballynafeigh area | |
| Bloomfield area | |
| Lisburn | Tonagh Estate |
| Portadown | Brownstown west |
| Strabane | Ballycolman/Beechmount Avenue |
| Carlton Drive | |
| Lisnafin | |
| Springhill Park | |
| Five Acres | |
| Beldoo | |
| Laurel Drive | |
| Knocavoe Crescent | |
| St. Mary's Drive | |
| Omagh | Strathroy Estate |
| Meelmore Drive | |
| Cookstown | Rathleen Avenue |
| Greenvale Drive | |
| Sullenboy Park | |
| Pomeroy | Parkview |
| Dungannon | Lisnahull Estate |
| Braeside | |
| Windmill area | |
| Altmore Drive | |
| Meadowbank | |
| Woodburn Crescent | |
| Espey Park | |
| Enniskillen | Derrin Road |
| Corban Avenue | |
| Erne Drive | |
| Kilmacormick Estate | |
| Windmill Heights | |
| Coa Road area (Beech Hill, Cavandale, Scamore Drive and Willowvale) | |
| Maghera | Craw fords burn |
| Sunnyside | |
| Tamney Crescent | |
| Meetinghouse Avenue | |
| Draperstown | Glenelly Villa's |
Subjects
Northern Ireland; Speed limits
Date
16 April 2007
Reference
129587; 459 c216-8W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent assessment he has made of the surface quality of the High Bangor-Donaghadee Road; and if he will make funding available to upgrade the road at the conclusion of the building works for the new wastewater treatment facility at Donaghadee.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent assessment he has made of the surface quality of the High Bangor-Donaghadee Road; and if he will make funding available to upgrade the road at the conclusion of the building works for the new wastewater treatment facility at Donaghadee.
Asked by
Lady Hermon
(Ulster Unionist Party)
Answered by
David Cairns
(Labour)
Answering body
Northern Ireland Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
20 March 2007
For answer on
22 March 2007
Answered on
16 April 2007
The Chief Executive of Roads Service (Dr. Malcolm McKibbin) has been asked to write to the hon. Lady in response to this question.Letter from Dr. McKibbin, dated 3 April 2007:"You recently asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland a Parliamentary Question regarding, what recent assessment he has made of the surface quality of the High Bangor—Donaghadee Road; and if he will make funding available to ""upgrade the road at the conclusion of the building works for the new wastewater treatment facility at Donaghadee.""As this issue falls within my responsibility as Chief Executive of Roads Service, I have been asked to reply.""You will recall meeting with staff from our Ards Section Office on 23 February 2007 regarding a matter you had raised during an earlier meeting with the Divisional Roads Manager, Tom McCourt and myself about Warren Road, Donaghadee. At the 23 February meeting Mr Lamb, the Section Engineer in Ards, advised you that we were aware that the B21 High Bangor Road had suffered over the years as a result of several utilities openings and it was high on our list of priority schemes for resurfacing. He also explained that such a scheme had not been implemented to date as Roads Service was aware that further works were to be carried out on this road by the Water Service in connection with the new wastewater treatment plant at Donaghadee.""I can assure you that, following completion of the wastewater treatment plant, Roads Service will give this scheme a high priority when considering future programmes of work. In the meantime the condition of the road will be monitored under our cyclic inspection regime and repairs will be effected as required in accordance with our maintenance policy."
Subjects
Northern Ireland; Roads
Date
16 April 2007
Reference
129589; 459 c212-3W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent assessment has been carried out by his Department of the adequacy of (a) road safety (i) signage and (ii) measures and (b) sightlines at Six Road Ends in Bangor.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent assessment has been carried out by his Department of the adequacy of (a) road safety (i) signage and (ii) measures and (b) sightlines at Six Road Ends in Bangor.
Asked by
Lady Hermon
(Ulster Unionist Party)
Answered by
David Cairns
(Labour)
Answering body
Northern Ireland Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
20 March 2007
For answer on
22 March 2007
Answered on
16 April 2007
The Chief Executive of Roads Service (Dr. Malcolm McKibbin) has been asked to write to the hon. Lady in response to this question.Letter from Dr. Malcolm McKibbin, dated 3 April 2007:"You recently asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland a parliamentary question regarding, what recent assessment has been carried out by his Department of the adequacy of (a) road safety (i) signage and (ii) measures and (b) sightlines at Six Road Ends in Bangor. As this issue falls within my responsibility as Chief Executive of Roads Service, I have been asked to reply.""As you may be aware, Roads Service commenced a junction improvement scheme at Six Road Ends, Bangor in August 2006. Proposals for this improvement scheme were initiated as a result of the 14 recorded personal injury collisions, including one fatality at this location over the past 10 years. In addition, it was noted that motorists experienced lengthy delays during peak periods as a result of the complicated nature of the junction.""The current scheme aims to improve road safety for all road users at the junction, by reducing congestion and driver confusion. It involves the construction of a four leg roundabout with Green Road and Ballycrochan Road realigned to form priority junctions with Gransha Road and Cotton Road respectively. Sightlines, designed in accordance with the requirements of the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, for the new roundabout scheme have been greatly improved.""With regards signage, Roads Service erects traffic signs permitted under the Traffic Signs Regulations (NI) 1997. These signs are designed and erected in accordance with the Traffic Sign Manual and this will be the case with signage at the new roundabout at Six Road Ends.""A scheme of this nature is subject to an independent safety audit after completion of each of the preliminary design, detailed design and construction stages. As part of the planning approval process, the scheme received the approval of both Down District and Ards borough councils when presented in detail before both on 26 July 2005 and 13 September 2005 respectively. Full planning permission was obtained in February 2006."
Subjects
Northern Ireland; Roads
Date
16 April 2007
Reference
129585; 459 c211-2W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate he has made of the number of vehicles registered in the Republic of Ireland which used roads in Northern Ireland in each of the last six years.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate he has made of the number of vehicles registered in the Republic of Ireland which used roads in Northern Ireland in each of the last six years.
Asked by
Lady Hermon
(Ulster Unionist Party)
Answered by
David Cairns
(Labour)
Answering body
Northern Ireland Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
20 March 2007
For answer on
22 March 2007
Answered on
16 April 2007
The Chief Executive of Roads Service (Dr, Malcolm McKibbin) has been asked to write to the hon. Lady in response to this question.Letter from Dr. Malcolm McKibbin, dated 3 April 2007:"You recently asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland a parliamentary question regarding, what estimate he has made of the number of vehicles registered in the Republic of Ireland ""which used roads in Northern Ireland in each of the last six years. As Chief Executive of Roads Service, I have been asked to reply.""I should explain that Roads Service collects data on the volume of traffic on Northern Ireland's roads to help contribute to the effective management of the road network and to help with the development of future road improvements. This data is collected via some 270 automatic traffic counting sites located on roads across Northern Ireland. This information is published in our annual Traffic and Travel Information Report (a copy of which can be obtained by writing to Mr. Brian Maxwell, Network Traffic Telematics Manager, Traffic information and Control Centre, 1b Airport Road, Belfast, BT3 9DY). The automatic traffic counting sites use loops cut into the road surface to detect vehicles as they pass. They provide details of the number of vehicles broken down into five classes (cars, light vans, articulated lorries etc).""The majority of the main ('A' Class) border roads have an automatic counting site, but it is not possible from the information provided by these to determine the country of registration of a vehicle. Therefore it is not possible to make an estimate of the number of vehicles registered in the Republic of Ireland which used roads in Northern Ireland, from this source of information.""In order to ascertain the number of vehicles registered in the Republic of Ireland using roads in Northern Ireland each year, it would be necessary to carry out a survey that noted the registration numbers of vehicles passing various points. Roads Service currently does not carry out this type of survey and has no plans to do so.""My officials also consulted with other relevant Departments, but it would appear that they do not collect the information you requested either."
Subjects
Motor vehicles; Northern Ireland
Date
16 April 2007
Reference
129582; 459 c197-8W
House
House of Commons
asked Her Majesty's Government:What proposals they have to reduce road deaths on the Ballybogey Road between Portrush and Ballymoney.
asked Her Majesty's Government:What proposals they have to reduce road deaths on the Ballybogey Road between Portrush and Ballymoney.
Asked by
Lord Laird
(Crossbench)
Answered by
Lord Rooker
(Labour)
Answering body
Roads Service
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Answered on
29 March 2007
The chief executive of Roads Service (Dr Malcolm McKibbin) has been asked to write to the noble Lord in response to this question.
Letter from Dr Malcolm McKibbin to Lord Laird dated March 2007.
As this issue falls within my responsibility as chief executive of Roads Service, I have been asked to reply.
May I first say that the fatalities arising from the traffic accidents that have occurred on the Ballybogey Road were most regrettable, and I can assure you that Roads Service gives a very high priority to accident reduction and prevention measures. As you may be aware, Roads Service receives collision reportsfrom the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), which allows us to regularly carry out assessmentsof locations and routes, in conjunction with theRoad Policing Unit, to identify whether there are appropriate measures that could be undertaken to help reduce road casualties.
The Ballybogey Road has been assessed both on a regular basis and, along with the Road Policing Unit, following previous fatal collisions. These assessments have not indicated any road improvement measures that could be introduced to help prevent further collisions. A further assessment will be carried out following the latest tragic collision when the outcome of the PSNI investigation into the collision is available.
Unfortunately there are incidents such as this where there may be very little in the way of highway measures that would be of assistance to further help the motorist to drive safely.
Subjects
Accidents; Northern Ireland; Safety measures; Roads
Date
29 March 2007
Reference
2742; 690 c322-3WA
House
House of Lords
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the total cost to the public purse was of the road gritting programme in Northern Ireland between 1 November and 31 January in each of the last four years.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the total cost to the public purse was of the road gritting programme in Northern Ireland between 1 November and 31 January in each of the last four years.
Asked by
Gregory Campbell
(Democratic Unionist Party)
Answered by
David Cairns
(Labour)
Answering body
Northern Ireland Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
7 February 2007
For answer on
19 February 2007
Answered on
20 March 2007
The chief executive of roads service (Dr. Malcolm McKibbin) has been asked to write to the hon. Gentleman in response to this question.Letter from Dr. Malcolm McKibbin, dated 19 February 2007:"You recently asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland a Parliamentary Question regarding, what the total cost to the public purse was of the road gritting programme in Northern Ireland between 1st November and 31st January in each of the last four years. As this issue falls within my responsibility as Chief Executive of Roads Service, I have been asked to reply.""I can advise that the total cost of Roads Service’s winter gritting programme in Northern Ireland between lst November and 31st January in each of the last four years is as follows:"
| Cost of winter gritting programme (£000) | |
| 1 November 2003 to 31 January 2004 | 2,072 |
| 1 November 2004 to 31 January 2005 | 2,064 |
| 1 November 2005 to 31 January 2006 | 7,522 |
| 1 November 2006 to 31 January 2007 | ¹1,770 |
| ¹ Approximately |
Subjects
Northern Ireland; Roads; Snow and ice
Date
20 March 2007
Reference
120875; 458 c890W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made with the upgrading of (a) the A8 Belfast to Larne Road and (b) the A72 Belfast to Carrickfergus Road; and if he will make a statement.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made with the upgrading of (a) the A8 Belfast to Larne Road and (b) the A72 Belfast to Carrickfergus Road; and if he will make a statement.
Asked by
Lady Hermon
(Ulster Unionist Party)
Answered by
David Cairns
(Labour)
Answering body
Northern Ireland Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
6 February 2007
For answer on
8 February 2007
Answered on
20 March 2007
The chief executive of roads service (Dr. Malcolm McKibbin) has been asked to write to the hon. Lady in response to this question.Letter from Dr. Malcolm McKibbin, dated 13 February 2007:"You recently asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland a parliamentary question regarding what progress has been made with the upgrading of (a) the A8 Belfast to Larne Road and (b) the A72 Belfast to Carrickfergus Road; and if he will make a statement. As this issue falls within my responsibility as chief executive of Roads Service, I have been asked to reply.""Roads Service completed a package of major improvements on the A8 Belfast to Larne road in 2005 at a cost of some £13.3 million. With the completion of these works, which included a significant number of safety improvements, approximately 43 per cent. of the road between Sandyknowes (M2) and Larne is now of dual or motorway standard. Current traffic volumes on the remaining single carriageway section, between Ballynure and Kilwaughter do not merit the provision of a dual carriageway standard road at this time and it is the Department's view that the recent improvements provide a high level of service on this road.""However, you will be aware that on 31 July 2006, the Minister for Regional Development David Cairns MP, published the Consultation Document – ‘Expanding the strategic road improvement programme 2015’. This included a proposed £10 million improvement scheme at the M2/A8 (M) Sandyknowes Junction. Roads Service has received some 80 responses to the document including a number in support of further upgrading of the A8. All responses are currently being considered and it is hoped that an announcement of the final proposals "will be made later this year.""You also enquired about progress on upgrading the A72 Belfast to Carrickfergus Road. I presume you meant the A2 Belfast to Carrickfergus Road.""I can advise that a proposed road improvement scheme on the A2 at Greenisland is included in Roads Service's major works preparation pool. The preparation pool comprises the highest priority major works schemes which are being designed and taken through the necessary statutory procedures with a view to progressing to construction within the next five years.""Following assessment of alternative route options, a preferred route has been selected and a preliminary design has been completed. The Department has prepared a Notice of Intention to Make a Direction Order, a Notice of Intention to make a Vesting Order, and an Environmental Statement, which we plan to publish in March 2007. A public exhibition will be held to coincide with the publication of these documents and there will be a formal period for public comment/objection to the Department's proposals which, depending on the outcome, may result in a public inquiry being required.""Subject to the successful completion of the statutory procedures and funding being available, Roads Service would hope to commence construction in 2008-09."
Subjects
Belfast; Roads
Date
20 March 2007
Reference
120434; 458 c889W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has (a) to pilot and (b) to introduce a road pricing scheme in Northern Ireland; and what research his Department has undertaken in relation to the feasibility of such a scheme in Northern Ireland.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has (a) to pilot and (b) to introduce a road pricing scheme in Northern Ireland; and what research his Department has undertaken in relation to the feasibility of such a scheme in Northern Ireland.
Asked by
Lady Hermon
(Ulster Unionist Party)
Answered by
David Cairns
(Labour)
Answering body
Northern Ireland Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
21 February 2007
For answer on
23 February 2007
Answered on
1 March 2007
The Chief Executive of Roads Service (Dr. Malcolm McKibbin) has written to the hon. Lady in response to this question.Letter from Dr. Malcolm McKibbin, dated 1 March 2007:"You recently asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland a Parliamentary Question regarding what plans he has to (a) pilot and (b) introduce a road pricing scheme in Northern Ireland; and what research his Department has undertaken in relation to the feasibility of such a scheme in Northern Ireland. As this issue falls within my responsibility as Chief Executive of Roads Service, I have been asked to reply.""The Secretary of State has made it clear that he wants Northern Ireland to be fully engaged in the road pricing agenda.""In Great Britain, officials in the Department for Transport are considering legislative proposals to be taken forward in a draft Road Transport Bill. The Bill would reform the existing powers of local authorities in England and Wales to introduce pilot road pricing schemes. It would give greater freedom to local authorities to implement schemes whilst ensuring that schemes in different places are consistent and interoperable. Pilot schemes could tackle congestion where it is already a problem, or predicted to be, and could support the Government's work to explore the potential for a national system of road pricing.""Northern Ireland roads legislation does not at present contain any powers enabling the introduction of road pricing or road pricing pilot schemes. However, Roads Service officials are currently liaising with their counterparts in the Department for Transport to determine whether it would be appropriate to introduce similar legislative provision to Northern Ireland either through the proposed Road Transport Bill or by a separate Order in Council.""Turning to the matter of research, Roads Service officials have been actively involved in the development of the Department for Transport's Road Pricing Feasibility Study and in the outworkings of Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs’ Lorry User Charging proposals. We continue to monitor developments in road user charging in England and Wales."
Subjects
Northern Ireland; Tolls
Date
1 March 2007
Reference
457 c1475-6W;457 c1461-2W; 123494
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many vehicles per day on average use the Lodge Road roundabout in Coleraine in the last period for which figures are available.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many vehicles per day on average use the Lodge Road roundabout in Coleraine in the last period for which figures are available.
Asked by
Gregory Campbell
(Democratic Unionist Party)
Answered by
David Cairns
(Labour)
Answering body
Northern Ireland Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
21 February 2007
For answer on
27 February 2007
Answered on
27 February 2007
The Chief Executive of Roads Service (Dr. Malcolm McKibbin) has written to the hon. Gentleman in response to this question.Letter from Dr. Malcolm McKibbon, 23 February 2007:"You recently asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland a parliamentary Question regarding, how many vehicles on average use the Lodge Road roundabout in Coleraine per day. As this issue falls within my responsibility as Chief Executive of Roads Service, I have been asked to reply.""By way of background, I should explain that Roads Service collects traffic volume data by means of 270 automatic census points strategically located throughout the Northern Ireland road network. The information is recorded for one week in each quarter during the year and an annual average calculated. The results are published in Roads Service's annual Traffic and Travel Information Report, which presents the traffic volumes in a variety of formats for each site. The figures quoted are based on the latest available report, which is the 2005 census.""I should, however, explain that in relation to the Lodge Road roundabout, unfortunately there are census points on only three of the five approach roads. While I have detailed the average daily number of vehicles entering the roundabout from these roads in the table, I am unable to provide you with the full information requested."
| Lodge Road Roundabout | Average Daily Flow |
| Ballymoney Road | 8,180 |
| Sandleford Bridge | 13,920 |
| Ballycastle Road | 11,176 |
| Lodge Road | n/a |
| Rugby Avenue | n/a |
| Total | 33,276 |
| n/a = not available |
Subjects
Road traffic; Coleraine
Date
27 February 2007
Reference
457 c1262W;457 c1249W; 123565
House
House of Commons
asked Her Majesty's Government:What proposals they have to improve traffic flow in Londonderry.
asked Her Majesty's Government:What proposals they have to improve traffic flow in Londonderry.
Asked by
Lord Laird
(Crossbench)
Answered by
Lord Rooker
(Labour)
Answering body
Roads Service
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Answered on
6 February 2007
The chief executive of Roads Service (Dr Malcolm McKibbin) has written to the noble Lord in response to this Question.
Letter from Dr Malcolm McKibbin to Lord Laird
You recently asked Her Majesty's Government a Parliamentary Question regarding what proposals they have to improve traffic flow in Londonderry. As this issue falls within my responsibility as chief executive of Roads Service, I have been asked to reply.
As you may be aware, the regional development strategy (RDS) for Northern Ireland contains a policy to strengthen the role of Londonderry as the regional city and hub for the north-west. The regional transportation strategy proposed two transport plans, the Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan (RSTNTP) and the Sub-Regional Transport Plan (SRTP), as the mechanism for implementation of the RDS outside the Belfast Metropolitan Area with regard to all modes of transport.
The RSTNTP deals with the main strategic routes into and through Londonderry and this plan was published in March 2005. An enhanced list of schemes for inclusion in the RSTNTP was published for consultation on 31 July 2006 with a response date of 29 September 2006. The full details of the major works schemes included in the plan can be viewed on our website at www.roadsni.gov.uk/consultation/docs/ConsultationDoc_SRI_Prog.pdf or copies are also available in both the House of Commons and House of Lords Libraries. The responses are currently being considered and it is hoped that an announcement of the final proposals will be made later this year. The schemes included in the current RSTNTP and draft proposals would upgrade sections of all the major routes approaching the city.
The SRTP deals with the whole of Northern Ireland, excluding the Belfast Metropolitan Area and the routes included in RSTNTP. A section has been developed for Londonderry and includes a detailed study of all modes of transport (walking, cycling, public transport and traffic) within the city. The draft document was issued for public consultation in March 2006 with a reply date of 23 June 2006. Full details of the draft plan can be viewed on our website at www.roadsni.gov.uk/consultation/docs/ExecSummary.pdf or copies are also available in both Libraries. It is planned to publish the SRTP at the end of March 2007.
These two transport plans will contain the main proposals for improving traffic flows and addressing other transportation issues for the city and its environs for the period to 2015.
Subjects
Construction; Transport; Road traffic; Roads; Londonderry
Date
6 February 2007
Reference
1279; 689 c130-1WA
House
House of Lords
asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 17 January (WA 165) concerning a bypass around Enniskillen, when they estimate the bypass will be built.
asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 17 January (WA 165) concerning a bypass around Enniskillen, when they estimate the bypass will be built.
Asked by
Lord Laird
(Crossbench)
Answered by
Lord Rooker
(Labour)
Answering body
Roads Service
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Answered on
5 February 2007
The chief executive of Roads Service (Dr Malcolm McKibbin) has written to the noble Lord in response to this Question.
Letter from Dr Malcolm McKibbin to Lord Laird dated January 2007.
You recently asked her Majesty's Government a Parliamentary Question further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 17 January 2007 (WA 165) concerning a bypass around Enniskillen, when they estimate the bypass will be built. As this issue falls within my responsibility as chief executive of Roads Service, I have been asked to reply.
As I advised in my reply to Parliamentary Question HL1226, the proposal for a bypass to the south of Enniskillen was included in the consultation document Expanding the Strategic Road Improvement Programme. While responses to the consultation supported the inclusion of the bypass, analysis of the feedback is still on going and, as such, it is not yet possible to confirm whether it will be included in the resulting expanded programme.
I can, however, advise that, typically, it can take at least six years to progress a scheme from its initial inclusion in a programme to the start of construction. This, of course, is subject to detailed economic appraisal, clearing the relevant statutory procedures and the availability of funds through the normal budgetary processes.
Subjects
Construction; Bypasses; Enniskillen
Date
5 February 2007
Reference
1486; 689 c105-6WA
House
House of Lords