Road Safety - Traffic Schemes

Each year, Halton Council carries out a programme of highway improvement works aimed at making the road system in the Borough safer for all users. Funded through the Local Transport Plan or Council revenue streams, sites for treatment are selected on the basis of historic road traffic accident records prior to being examined with Cheshire Police and, frequently, ward members.

With the passage of time, many of the locations with the worst safety record have been treated and it is likely that a recent trend to fund minor works at a more diverse range of locations, will continue in the future.

Many of the smaller safety projects also include revisions to waiting restrictions and/or speed limits. The procedure involves making a Traffic Regulation Order under processes laid down by the Secretary of State which must be observed by the Order-making authority. The procedures require consultation on the proposed Traffic Regulation Order and publishing notices on site and in the local press, detailing the proposal and inviting any objections. Any objections that are received and cannot be resolved must be reported to the relevant Halton Board for consideration. Speed limits are set in accordance with the national principles defined by the Department for Transport.

Any speed limit changes are subject to agreement between ward councillors and Cheshire Police.