Speed data monitoring has been conducted in August and November 2024 (in locations 1, 2, 3 and 4 marked on the map) following concerns raised by Kirkby Ireleth Parish Council regarding speeding vehicles travelling through the village on the A595. Speed data collected in December 2022 has also been included in this report (location 5) as concerns have also been raised regarding vehicle speeds at Beckside. The posted speed limit (PSL) is 40mph in locations 1 and 2, 30mph in locations 3 and 4 and 20mph in location 5.
Westmorland and Furness Highways Officers conducted a site visit to determine the most suitable locations (based on extensive experience gathering high quality traffic data) to situate temporary data collection tubes which are used to collect the data over a seven-day period. Alongside the requirement for speed data tubes to be secured to street furniture, consideration must be made to ensure tubes are not situated in positions may be affected by close proximity of junctions, accesses or parked vehicles.
The ACPO limit refers to the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) enforcement threshold, which was a guideline used by police forces in the UK to determine when to take action against speeding drivers. Although ACPO was replaced by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), the general enforcement thresholds have remained similar. The guideline suggests that enforcement action (such as fines or points on a licence) typically begins at:
- Speed Limit + 10% + 2 mph
- 20 mph zone → Action at 24 mph
- 30 mph zone → Action at 35 mph
- 40 mph zone → Action at 46 mph
- 50 mph zone → Action at 57 mph
LOCATIONS
LOCATION 1
The two-way mean speed was recorded as 44.3mph. In a south westerly direction this was recorded as 42.3mph and in a northwesterly direction it was recorded as 46.2mph. The monitoring indicated that 35.1% of vehicles were travelling at speeds greater the ACPO Limit.
LOCATION 2
The two-way mean speed was recorded as 42.2mph. In a southerly direction this was recorded as 44.1mph and in a northerly direction it was recorded as 40.2mph. The monitoring indicated that 23.5% of vehicles were travelling at speeds greater the ACPO limit.
LOCATION 3
The two-way mean speed was recorded as 30.7mph. In a southerly direction this was recorded as 28.9mph and in a northerly direction it was recorded as 32.6mph. The monitoring indicated that 18.5% of vehicles were travelling at speeds greater the ACPO limit.
LOCATION 4
The two-way mean speed was recorded as 35.3mph. In a southerly direction this was recorded as 35.1mph and in a northerly direction it was recorded as 35.4mph. The monitoring indicated that 47.6% of vehicles were travelling at speeds greater the ACPO limit.
LOCATION 5
The two-way mean speed was recorded as 23.1mph. In a southeasterly direction this was recorded as 24.0mph and in a northwesterly direction it was recorded as 22.3mph. The monitoring indicated that 42.7% of vehicles were travelling at speeds greater the ACPO limit.
CONCLUSION
The data confirms that speeding remains a serious concern, with a significant proportion of vehicles exceeding enforcement thresholds, particularly in 30 mph and 20 mph zones. While many of these offenders are likely non-local drivers passing through, a proportion will be residents. This highlights the need for increased awareness and action to improve road safety in our village.
The Parish Council will use this data when lobbying Highways for further mitigation measures. While improved road markings are already planned, we will be pushing for better traffic calming solutions.
Your support in raising awareness and adhering to speed limits will help make Kirkby-in-Furness a safer place for everyone.
FULL REPORT HERE