Highways Agency use Stilwell’s proven Tracked Roundabout technique to deal with notorious accident blackspot

It will come as no surprise to drivers using the Elmbridge Court roundabout on the A40 in Gloucester, particularly those who have suffered one of the countless minor accidents there over the years, that it has been branded one of Gloucestershire’s worst accident hotspot. See This is Gloucestershire from October 26, 2010.
The Highway Agency, who are responsible for the UK’s Trunk Road system, have decided that the most suitable solution is the Tracked Roundabout technique. This was first developed and pioneered in the UK in 1995 by The Stilwell Partnership on the A30 in Surrey and has been widely used ever since. If correctly applied, this technique has been proven to:
• Dramatically reduce road collisions and resulting injuries
• Significantly reduce delays for road users
• Increase the capacity of the junction to take more traffic
• Is low cost with an immediate return on investment

There has been great interest from the United States to adapt this technique for their congested urban highways. We will be shortly making available a documentary video, made at the time, on our website. We believe that there are countless international applications for this technique with a corresponding impact on improve road safety.

The Stilwell Partnership continues to pioneer innovative measures to improve road safety. Look at our website for details of our latest initiative.

On street parking charges in Surrey: Surrey Chambers of Commerce

Since before Christmas 2010 Surrey Chambers of Commerce has been in conversation with their members and Surrey County Council concerning the introduction of additional on-street parking across the county.

We fully support the role of the Chamber in this crucial activity. Parking Management and Strategy is recognised as a supporting factor to the growth of businesses in the region. The Stilwell Partnership are specialists in this field having developed and implemented a number of high-profile schemes in Surrey and Hampshire including the Guildford Controlled Parking Zone. In our experience, the pros and cons of additional on-street parking are;

• Structured ‘High St’ parking encourages increased custom for certain businesses;
• Well-organised parking arrangements in a Town Centre can encourage more people to visit;
• Dangerous parking, on bends and next to junctions, can be restricted
• Locations where demand is high provides revenue for more sophisticated parking control systems e.g. Pay and Display.
• Attractive parking schemes with adjacent landscaping, can create a calmed environment.
But
• Higher influx of traffic and inconsiderate parking often impacts on local residents in adjacent roads;
• High parking demand may cause congestion as cars wait for a space to come available
• Occasionally there are potential safety issues with drivers manoeuvring in and out of spaces.

Some important issues, not to be underestimated:
• Any signing and lining used should be simple and easy to understand;
• The cost of increased enforcement if parking restrictions are to be effective;
• The provision and location of disabled user bays
• The impact of future development proposals.
If your business is experiencing problems relating to Parking and Highway issues, contact us by phone or email. See our website for background information.