Cheadle CSW

Future Delivery of Community Speed Management Scheme and Traffic/Speed Surveys

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Starting 1st June 2024, the Highways Department at Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWaC) will no longer directly deliver the Community Speed Management scheme and Traffic/Speed Surveys. This change is driven by escalating pressures and an extremely high volume of public, Member, and MP enquiries, which have become unmanageable for the Area Highways Team.

To address these challenges, staff from the Road Safety team will be integrated into the Area team, allowing CWaC to allocate resources to the most pressing needs and improve customer service. Despite these changes, the statutory function of Road Safety Engineering remains a key priority and will continue to be provided.

Community Speed Management Scheme

The Community Speed Management scheme, which enabled local community members trained by highways officers to record speeding vehicles, will transition to Cheshire Police. From 1st June 2024, Cheshire Police has taken sole responsibility for this scheme, rebranded as ‘Community Speed Watch’. PCSOs will train and liaise with local groups, and enquiries can be directed to .

Traffic/Speed Surveys

Previously, Traffic Surveys were requested by Ward Councillors to address concerns about speeding, traffic volumes, or to determine the need for new pedestrian crossings. These surveys collected essential data on road use, congestion, and speed counts. However, from 1st June 2024, Highways will no longer carry out these surveys. Instead, initial speed gun assessments will be conducted by Area team staff, which may indicate the need for formal surveys. These surveys will be commissioned externally, with costs passed on to Councillors or relevant groups (such as a local parish council).

Surveys required for design purposes, such as prioritising new pedestrian crossing facilities, will also be commissioned externally and funded by the Highways capital budget.

Ongoing Road Safety Responsibilities

Managing road safety and speed throughout the Borough remains a top priority. Although the approach is evolving, CWaC are committed to addressing resident concerns and maintaining the safety of all road users. By reallocating resources, CWaC aims to improve efficiency and concentrate on delivering high-quality customer service.