Traffic Calming

A Local Authority requires an efficient means of recording, storing and accessing accident data. Within Southend Borough Council, the system currently practised involves the input of all accidents involving personal injury recorded by the Police into a computer system.

Using the accident data available, potential problem sites are ranked according to particular criteria and any site which is ranked above a specified level is considered for further examination.  Police reports and witness statements are examined. A series of statistical tests are undertaken on aspects of the accident data to distinguish significant factors from those occurring through chance. The dominant accident types and contributory factors in the accident group are listed and considered along with human factors.  A site survey is undertaken and other information such as traffic data e.g. speed, volume is collected and examined.

Accident remedial measures must be selected to treat the accident problem identified through detailed study, whether for a single site, route or area wide action. Possible remedial measures and their likely effectiveness are discussed with Essex Police before a measure is agreed for implementation. These measures can include changes to road markings or signing, new pedestrian facilities, traffic calming, red light or speed cameras, traffic signals etc.

The number of accidents occurring within the Borough is monitored against targets for the expected level of accident reduction set locally and by central government.  Targets are set for different types of casualty e.g. slight, serious or fatal injury accidents and for different road users e.g. children, cyclists, pedestrians, cyclists.