National Highways
Other
Action Taken
The Highways Agency has installed 'SLOW' road markings and removed a eucalyptus tree. It is also increasing the number of chevrons on the bend and ensuring they are on yellow backgrounds. (AI summary)
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Dear Mr Craze Re: MUSTAFA CICEK (DECEASED) Thank you for your letter of 13 January 2014 and enclosures concerning the above fatality. The purpose of this letter is to address the matters of concern that you raised wiih regard to the bend at Woodman's Green on the A21. In line with your request the Highways Agency agrees that more safety improvement can be made at this bend and we are in the process of implementing the improvements recorded in your report and we are also considering the provision of additional safety measures. We have completed:
• The provision of 'SLOW ' road markings on the carriageway (there are now two 'SLOW' markings north bound and one 'SLOW' marking south bound);
• Upon inspection we also found that the eucalyptus tree has already been removed. We are also advanced with preparations to complete:
• Improvement to the (;hevmns on the bend. We are planning to inc;ease the number of chevrons to 3 in both directions. This is the maximum we can erect at this location because of the private entrances on this corner. We are also ensuring that all the chevrons are on yellow backgrounds to help them stand out. The signs are ordered and we are awaiting returns from statutory checks we have to make to ensure the safe digging of new foundations. If all goes well we hope to complete the new chevrons in March. Department for Transport ll\>'HSTOR rn PBO!'LI!
Following a further site inspection and assessment we have identified additional road safety improvements that we are currently considering through our design process these are:
• The provIsIon of new reflective road studs to both north and south bound approaches to the bend including extending them around the bend itself. This will improve night time safety in particular.
• An additional warning sign (red triangular) on the south bound approach warning of possible queues ahead (this is something the Parish Council have suggested following non-injury collisions).
• We will also consider whether advisory maximum speed plates are appropriate or permissible under the bend warning signs but this may be difficult if we are also to retain the plate telling drivers of the distance ahead of the bend. It is also relevant to mention that we are developing the possibility of introducing average speed cameras on the A21. The aim is to improve speed limit compliance and improve driver behaviour. The A21 is within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and it is our duty to take account of the specific provisions applicable in such areas and we work closely with the relevant authorities when we are considering improvement works.
• The provision of 'SLOW ' road markings on the carriageway (there are now two 'SLOW' markings north bound and one 'SLOW' marking south bound);
• Upon inspection we also found that the eucalyptus tree has already been removed. We are also advanced with preparations to complete:
• Improvement to the (;hevmns on the bend. We are planning to inc;ease the number of chevrons to 3 in both directions. This is the maximum we can erect at this location because of the private entrances on this corner. We are also ensuring that all the chevrons are on yellow backgrounds to help them stand out. The signs are ordered and we are awaiting returns from statutory checks we have to make to ensure the safe digging of new foundations. If all goes well we hope to complete the new chevrons in March. Department for Transport ll\>'HSTOR rn PBO!'LI!
Following a further site inspection and assessment we have identified additional road safety improvements that we are currently considering through our design process these are:
• The provIsIon of new reflective road studs to both north and south bound approaches to the bend including extending them around the bend itself. This will improve night time safety in particular.
• An additional warning sign (red triangular) on the south bound approach warning of possible queues ahead (this is something the Parish Council have suggested following non-injury collisions).
• We will also consider whether advisory maximum speed plates are appropriate or permissible under the bend warning signs but this may be difficult if we are also to retain the plate telling drivers of the distance ahead of the bend. It is also relevant to mention that we are developing the possibility of introducing average speed cameras on the A21. The aim is to improve speed limit compliance and improve driver behaviour. The A21 is within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and it is our duty to take account of the specific provisions applicable in such areas and we work closely with the relevant authorities when we are considering improvement works.