Access Appraisal Poulton-le-Fylde

This access to this property was onto a narrow farm lane characterised by limited visibility, which posed significant safety concerns for both the property owners and the users of the road. Consequently, the property owners made the informed decision to relocate the access point to the main road, aiming to enhance safety and accessibility. However, this main road is classified, meaning it serves as a significant thoroughfare, and has a speed limit set at 50 mph. Given these conditions, the site required a visibility splay of 148 meters to ensure that vehicles entering and exiting the property could do so safely without obstructing the flow of traffic. Unfortunately, achieving this required visibility splay proved to be unfeasible due to the surrounding topography and existing structures.

In light of these challenges, the property owners sought the expertise of iRIS Sustainable Planning to conduct a comprehensive Access Appraisal. This appraisal was aimed at thoroughly investigating the feasibility of re-siting the access point to the main road, taking into account various factors that could influence the decision-making process.

To make an informed decision regarding the potential relocation, we initiated the process by placing an Automatic Traffic Counter (ATC) at the site. This device was instrumental in collecting data on the actual speeds of vehicles traversing the area, providing us with a clearer understanding of traffic patterns and behaviors. In addition to speed data, we also delved into the road safety history of the location, meticulously examining records to ascertain whether there had been any previous incidents of injury accidents. This historical analysis was crucial in assessing the overall safety of the area and understanding the risks associated with the proposed access point.

After gathering and analysing all relevant data, including traffic speed and safety records, we concluded that with specific modifications and improvements to the design and layout of the access point, it would indeed be possible to successfully re-site this access. Our findings indicated that by implementing strategic alterations, such as enhancing visibility through landscaping adjustments or the installation of appropriate signage, we could create a safer and more efficient access point that would benefit both the property owners and the broader community.