To date there have been 10 occasions of Emergency Service vehicles “trapped” at either Hamlin Lane or Vaughan Road Low Traffic Neighbourhood trial barriers.
Whose decision was it to deviate from the original plan and make these fixed and non removable for Emergency Services , why did this change to the original plan take place and who did they consult prior to this decision?
What consultation was there with the Emergency Services prior to doing so and what was their response?
The decision to replace the collapsible bollards on Hamlin Lane and Vaughan Road with fixed steel inset bollards was made by Devon County Council’s project team for the Active Streets Trial, in conjunction with the design team from WSP.
This was after the bollards were removed or vandalised at least twice within a 5 day period, in light of which it was decided it was not viable to continue re-installing the collapsible bollards.
The emergency services were notified of this change, and at the same time were consulted on a possible further change to replace the bollards with planters. The responses were as follows:
- Police: No objection.
- Fire: Anticipate that crews responding to incidents within the area of the Active Streets Trial would do so by using available routes, including where necessary the bus gates. The ability to remove bollards in exceptional circumstances is useful and remains desirable, however decision on design remains with Devon County Council.
- Ambulance: Any fixed object on the highway creates another object of risk. However, issue of vandalism is appreciated and decision on design remains with Devon County Council.