Observations

Declares deep concern regarding the ongoing hazards at the junction of B671 from Elton village onto the A605, which has seen a distressing history of road traffic accidents and fatalities; further that the lack of safety measures, such as a roundabout, speed restrictions, or traffic lights, raises significant alarm; notes that despite existing cameras monitoring an average speed of 60MPH, accidents persist, highlighting the inadequacy of current measures; further that urgent reconsideration of installing traffic lights and speed restrictions is imperative, not only for local residents’ safety but also for commuters on the A605; further notes that given the success of traffic lights at the Barnwell A605 junction and their cost-effectiveness, their implementation should be swiftly considered; further declares that the financial and emotional toll of accidents, spanning back to the bypass construction in 1990, underscores the urgency for action; further notes that over the past two decades, our community has endured tragic losses from road accidents, with the first recorded in 2000, and the resulting injuries, fatalities, property damages, and strain on law enforcement and medical resources have been extensive, estimated to cost hundreds of thousands of pounds; further declares that immediate improvements are overdue, and we implore the authorities to prioritise the necessary measures to safeguard our roads and communities; and further that the introduction of the Elton bypass neglected pedestrian safety entirely, evidenced by the hazardous crossing conditions at the public footpaths.

The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to put pressure on the county council responsible and ask that this matter be addressed promptly, and consider appropriate measures to ensure the safety of local residents and commuters at the junction of B671 from Elton village onto the A605.

And the petitioners remain, etc.—[Official Report, 18 April 2024; Vol. 748, c. 13P.]

[P002958]

I was sorry to hear of the residents’ concern about ongoing hazards at the junction of the B671 from Elton village on to the A605.

Local authorities have a duty under section 122 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 to exercise their functions under the Act so as to secure the expeditious, convenient and safe movement of vehicular and other traffic (including pedestrians), so far as practicable having regard to various matters including the amenity of the area through which the road runs.

Local authorities are free to make their own decisions about the roads under their care, provided they take account of the relevant legislation. It would be inappropriate for the Government to seek to intervene in the process of local democratic accountability.

The Department issues guidance to local traffic authorities designed to make sure that speed limits are appropriately and consistently set while allowing for flexibility to deal with local circumstances. The guidance can be found online at www.gov.uk/government/publications/setting-local-speed-limits This guidance is not mandatory and the final decision is for the authority, working with the police who would carry out any enforcement.

Traffic lights may be installed if a junction has a poor safety record, and traffic authorities should develop policies and criteria to enable them to objectively assess the need for traffic signals at sites, taking into account any local relevant factors. Whether traffic lights should be used is entirely a matter for each traffic authority to consider. The Department has published guidance to assist them in chapter 6 of the “Traffic Signs Manual”, available at www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-signs-manual

Declares that Barclays Bank has stated it will close its Leiston branch; further that this means Barclays will have closed all of its branches in Suffolk Coastal including Aldeburgh, Felixstowe, Halesworth, Martlesham Heath, Saxmundham, Southwold and Woodbridge; further that the petitioners believe that rural areas like Suffolk are more likely to be at risk of bank closures; further recognises the powers of the Financial Conduct Authority given under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 regarding access to cash and bank closures; and further that it is concerned at the validity of the assessment of the justification of closure by Barclays.

The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to encourage Barclays to keep open their last remaining branch in Leiston is Suffolk Coastal; and to require the Financial Conduct Authority to publish its assessment of the justification given by Barclays for closure of its Leiston Branch.

And the petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Dr Thérèse Coffey, Official Report, 20 March 2024; Vol. 747, c. 1013.]

[P002936]