Highways Agency - Safe roads, Reliable journeys, Informed travellers

Newsletter No 2 - October 2001

Purpose of the Study

You may be aware that the A38 in Derby is the subject of a Government study. When completed the results will be used to recommend solutions to the transport problems of the three roundabouts at

• A5111 (Kingsway Roundabout)
• A52 (Markeaton Roundabout)
• A61 (Abbey Hill)

An introductory newsletter has already been published during June 2001 to raise awareness of the Study. This newsletter updates you on the progress so far and tells you how you can get involved and express your views.

Progress of the Study

Since publishing Newsletter No.1, the study consultants have been busy collecting information for use in assessing the problems at the three roundabouts concerned. This has included:

• Surveys of travel patterns of road users;
• Collection of data on transport network and environmental conditions; and
• Analysing feedback from local people and interested organisations.

In addition, we are carrying out further discussions with local representatives.

Current Transport and Environmental Conditions

The results of recent surveys provide valuable information into current transport issues.

The A38

• The A38 through Derby is a trunk road and is part of the strategic road network of the country. It is maintained for the Government by the Highways Agency.
• It carries approximately 42,000 vehicles each day through Derby (about 21,000 vehicles a day in each direction).
• Of this traffic, approximately 6,300 are Heavy Goods Vehicles. Therefore, approximately 1 in 7 vehicles using the A38 through Derby are HGVs.

At Kingsway Roundabout:

• 4,700 vehicles used the roundabout in the busiest hour
• some 61,000 vehicle movements occur at the roundabout each day
• delays were observed on all approaches to the junction with the longest observed being over 5 minutes on the A5111 in the evening peak
• Derbyshire police records show that there has been a total of 23 injury accidents in the past three years.

At Markeaton Roundabout:

• approximately 5,300 vehicles used the roundabout in the busiest hours
• some 74,000 vehicle movements occur at the roundabout each day
• delays were observed on all approaches, the longest observed being over 5 minutes on both A38 approaches in the morning and evening peaks
• Derbyshire police records show that there has been a total of 40 injury accidents in the past three years.

At Abbey Hill Roundabout:

• approximately 6,000 vehicles used the roundabout in the busiest hours
• some 72,000 vehicle movements occur at the roundabout each day
• delays were observed on all approaches, the longest obseved being over 8 minutes on the A38 northbound approach in the evening peak
• Derbyshire police records show that there has been a total of 24 injury accidents in the past three years.

Your Views

The following comments have been received from local people:

• Improve pedestrian facilities at all junctions
• Public transport priority measures need implementing
• Improve frequency and reliability of public transport
• Improving these junctions will simply make it worse elsewhere
• Have traffic signal control at each junction
• Implement programmes to improve problems with the "school run"
• Have better signage of alternative routes
• Construct separate routes over or under the junctions to remove A38 through traffic from them
• Improve the safety and environment close to junctions
• People undertake hazardous manoeuvres at the junctions due to junction delay and improper lane use

Possible Solutions To Junction Problems

As part of the study, topics for possible improvement could include combinations of:

• Public Transport Improvements - these include new bus services, improved bus frequency, improved bus reliability, improved train services, etc.
• Road Based Improvements - these include junction improvements, road widening, new traffic signals, etc.
• Traffic Management - these include improved signage, variable message signage, bus priority measures, etc.
• Improvements to Cycling Facilities - these include measures such as cycle lanes, cycle crossings, etc.
• Improvements to Pedestrian Facilities - these include footway improvements, improved crossing facilities, additional crossing facilities, etc.

To enable future solutions to be considered effectively, we need to obtain details of your travel habits and preferred solutions. This can be done by completing and returning the attached questionnaire.

Your Contact Points

We are interested in hearing your views, especially if you live, work or travel regularly in this area.

Your contact is Sue Freedman

Postal address:
Oscar Faber,
Beaufort House,
94/96 Newhall Street,
Birmingham B3 1PB

Email: sue.freedman@oscarfaber.com

Telephone Hotline: Sue Freedman on 0121 262 1985