Update on your concerns

Good evening, 

As I have now liaised with the Highways department at the Council, I am able to offer you some updates on the issues raised at the Parish Council Meeting earlier this month. 

Parking issues at school pick-up and drop-off times

   I have addressed the issue of driveways being blocked and vehicles being parked too close to junctions, spoken to offending parties and placed Police cones to either side of the junction in question. Initially, these were moved by one resident so that they could once again park there. However, I hope that my words of warning have now been heeded. 

   While it is illegal to obstruct someone from leaving their property in a vehicle, it is not an offence to prevent someone from returning. I understand this is frustrating, but it is what it is. If anyone receives any abuse from a driver obstructing a driveway and refusing to move, then I would be happy to pay the individual a visit and have a chat, so please call it in, get a log created, and advise the call taker that Officer 6096 has agreed to address this. Alternatively email withernsea@humberside.pnn.police.uk and mark the email FAO S/Sgt 6096

   I have raised the issue of the restricted parking signage - or lack thereof - and am awaiting a response. 

Speeding on Main Street, Whin's Lane and Catwick Lane

I have carried out speed checks at all three locations, with the following results:

   Main Street - All traffic compliant with the 30mph speed limit, the majority exercising caution and travelling between 20 and 24mph. 30mph is too fast for that road - and in fact, most roads in villages - especially at school times. 

*** “20 is Plenty” campaigns are gaining traction up and down the country, in residential and school settings, and I would encourage the community to consider this. 

*** Another consideration would be the Safer Streets, Safe Schools approach, where the road immediately adjacent to the school is closed for a short period at the start and end of the day, allowing access only to residents and those who are physically unable to walk from outside the area. This has been very successful in other areas, Bilton for example. However, it would be up to the Council and the school to liaise with ERYC Highways on this one. 

   Whin's Lane - The regularity of use is infrequent. However, between 11am and 1pm and between 3pm and 5pm, the volume of traffic does increase, and most vehicles fail to slow sufficiently by the time they reach the 30mph sign coming into the village, while many others use the 30mph strip as a launch pad into the national limit. 

*** I have spoken to Highways about this matter, and they are in favour of pushing the change of limit sign back 50 to 100 metres, and for a gateway scheme to be put into use. 

   Catwick Lane - The traffic on this road is travelling above 30mph on average in both directions. It is infrequent, but totally inappropriate to travel in excess of 30mph along here. The National Police Chiefs Council advises Police to operate a system of 10% +2 lenience on all speed offences, and generally, I use discretion and allow somewhat more than that. However, having seen emergency stops and dangerous swerves along the road in a 30 minute period by vehicles travelling in excess of the limit who have just spotted the 5'11 worth of bright yellow on the pavement, I am of the opinion that a zero tolerance approach may be necessary.  Your thoughts?

Speeding in Arnold

Contrary to popular belief, Humberside Police does not operate speed “cameras.” Cameras are the preserve of the Council and their partner agency: Safer Roads Humber. In order for the Council to task Safer Roads Humber, certain criteria have to be met, and none of the roads in Arnold meet them. 

I use a device called a ProLaser, which send out a laser beam which hits the moving object and sends a signal back, using an electronic calculation of distance/time, providing me with a speed which is +/- 1mph in accuracy. I am then required to stop the offending vehicle in a location that is safe for myself, for them, and for anyone else using the road. I will not use private driveways for this - thank you for the offers - because it could make you vulnerable. However, Arnold is lacking in safe locations in my opinion, athough I am open to suggestions.

Speeding, careless & inconsiderate driving and dangerous driving - A165 

A survey has been carried out, and logs reported to Police taken into consideration regarding the speed of traffic and manner of driving on the A165 between Arnold and Long Riston, particularly in the location of the petrol station. A reduction in the speed limit has been approved. It is not decided whether that will be to 40mph or 50mph yet. 

Time frames

As I am sure you understand, all action by the Council Highways department is subject to a budget, and as things stand, there isn't one. Furthermore, the volume of traffic passing through the villages of Long Riston and Arnold do not put the Riston Parish high on the list of priorities. However, it is very definitely NOT a “No,” but rather a “Not yet.” So, while I cannot tell you it will happen, in ‘x’ weeks, months or years, there is some positivity here. The engineers do support my opinion and your concerns. 

In the meantime, please rest assured of my ongoing support. Please do not hesitate to contact me, but please do not report personal details, addresses or car registrations using this system. Any personal information must be passed by the appropriate channel which is 101 or the online reporting system, found here: Report | Humberside Police 

Wishing you a safe and pleasant end to the week and weekend, 

Kind regards

Jonathan 

(Disclaimer - Image is for illustration only, and was taken in Hornsea)