Aims of the strategy

Remove Pelican crossing due to end of life (installed 1984) and lack of use.

A survey undertaken shows use in an urban area is below average. The survey took place on the 4 April 2020 between 07:00 to 19:00.

Background to the proposal

The pelican crossing was installed, when Weymouth College and Doctors Surgery were close to Holland Road, both are now in different locations in Weymouth.

New upgraded Puffin signals which are only 70m west at the crossroads of Abbotsbury Road/Newstead Road. These were upgraded in June 2018 with added pedestrian crossing.

The advice in Chapter 6 of the Traffic Signs Manual, paragraph 1.9 Consultation and Publicity is:

This is the advice given

1.9.1. there are no legal consultation requirements for a traffic signal junction.
1.9.2. Section 23 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 requires authorities establishing, altering or removing Zebra or Puffin crossings to consult with the local chief of police, and give public notice of the proposals
1.9.3. there are no set procedures for “giving public notice”, and authorities should consider what approach will ensure local residents, businesses and accessibility groups are properly informed and able to comment.
1.9.4. in addition to statutory requirements (where applicable), the Department strongly recommends that authorities engage with local residents and others affected by proposed works. It is particularly important to involve groups representing disabled people at an early stage, as a change from one type of facility to another can be disorientating. Any concerns raised should be considered and addressed as far as possible
1.9.6. The Equality Act 2010 places a duty on public sector authorities to comply with the Public Sector Equality Duty in carrying out their functions. This includes making reasonable adjustments to the existing built environment to ensure infrastructure is accessible to all.

Intelligence and Communication

Data, information, evidence and research used and how it has influenced the decision-making process

Average Delay Per Vehicle (ADPV) survey at the location (4 April 2020):

This surveyed counted, use of the crossing, the number of vehicles and the gap between the vehicles. These three amounts are calculated in a formula, and the final number results show if the crossing is needed or not. In this case it was below average.

Received emails of approval from Dorset Council Councillors, Weymouth Town Council, Dorset Police and Local Housing Association. All agreed to the removal.

Engineers reports on the signal’s maintainable lifespan.

This is what is reported on

under used and need to replace or remove lights
survey showed low use
ask community for its view through a “Notice of intent” consultation.
new upgraded signals on the crossroads 70m to the west with better access
a subway 200 metres (m) to the east to cross into the main shopping centre of Weymouth.

Engagement or consultation that has taken place as part of this EqIA

Views have been asked for, as part of a pre consultation before it is advertised through a “Notice of intent” to remove a controlled crossing, under Section 23 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

This is sent to a wider user base plus in the local press and notices on site.

Feedback

Monitor the responses to the up and coming consultation and then feedback

Assessment

Impacts of the strategy

Impacts on who or what?	Effect	Details
Age	Negative	To cross safely, people would need to walk an extra 80m to alternative crossing or 200m to subway.
Disability: (including physical, mental, sensory and progressive conditions)	Negative	Removal of any crossing point that is currently suitable could have an impact on this group. This EqIA will be reviewed and updated following the pre-consultation to see if any specific impacts have been identified
Gender Reassignment & Gender Identity: Race and Ethnicity Religion or belief: Sexual orientation Sex Marriage or civil partnership Rural isolation Single parent families Social & economic deprivation Armed Forces communities	Neutral	We do not anticipate an impact on these groups at this present time.
Pregnancy and maternity: Carers	Unclear	People who may be pregnant or have young children and carers may have to work further to cross safely to the crossing 80m to the west or the subway 200m to the east. This could impact on some people’s energy and time

Summary of EQIA findings

In general it is concluded that there is neutral impact. The action plan identifies an action for age and disability

Key to impacts

Positive

the proposal eliminates discrimination, advances equality of opportunity and/or fosters good relations with protected groups

Negative

Protected characteristic group(s) could be disadvantaged or discriminated against

Neutral

No change/ no assessed significant impact of protected characteristic groups

Unclear

Not enough data/evidence has been collected to make an informed decision

Action Plan

Issue	Action to be taken	Person(s) responsible	Date to be completed by
Age and Disability	EqIA to be reviewed, once notice of intent has passed.	Roger Bell

Name: Roger Bell

Job Title: Project Engineer Highways

Date: 8 March 2021

The EQIA has been agreed by

Officer completing this EQIA: Roger Bell

Equality Lead: Susan Ward-Rice

Second sign off: Becky Forrester