Access Appraisal Lancaster

A tricky entrance through a layby sited close to a bend in the road made the current farm access awkward and regularly inaccessible, with vehicles parking infront of the entrance. The existing layout posed significant challenges for vehicles attempting to enter or exit the property, particularly during peak traffic times when parked vehicles meant that visibility was severely compromised. This situation not only created safety concerns for the farmer but also disrupted the flow of traffic on the adjacent road. However, the proposed new access point, while situated further away from the corner, presented its own set of challenges. Specifically, it was determined that this new location could not provide the required visibility splays necessary for the speed of the road, which is critical for ensuring that drivers have adequate sightlines to react to oncoming traffic.

Therefore, in light of these complications, our transport consultants were employed to carry out an access appraisal to investigate whether it would be feasible to move the entrance to a more suitable location. The access appraisal involved a comprehensive analysis of the current traffic conditions, including the collection of data through Automated Traffic Counts. These counts provided valuable insights into the volume and speed of traffic using the road, which is crucial for understanding the dynamics of vehicle movement in the area. The results revealed that the 85th Percentile traffic speed, which is a standard measure used in traffic engineering to assess safe stopping distances and visibility requirements, was within acceptable tolerance levels. This finding indicated that relocating the entrance could indeed be a viable option, provided that the necessary adjustments were made to ensure safety and compliance with traffic regulations.