THE CONSULTATION process for future traffic calming schemes could become online due to the current pandemic.

Flintshire County Council’s Cabinet will be asked to approve the proposed new approach for consulting with local communities on future traffic calming schemes, when it meets on 22 September.

The current process requires officers to discuss initial proposals with the local County Councillor(s) before then engaging directly with local residents by way of a public exhibition and a ballot.

Covid-19 restrictions now prevents gatherings of this nature and the new arrangements will seek online comments on the proposals in the first instance with affected residents then being offered an appointment for physically or socially distanced meeting with project officers to discuss their concerns, if they feel it necessary.

Flintshire County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Streetscene and Countryside, Councillor Carolyn Thomas, said: “Having identified the concerns with the existing process during the current situation, a new system of consultation for these important safety schemes was necessary.

“In future, once approval has been made with the local member, scheme options would then be provided to the Community Council and the local community for their comments online. On receipt of an agreed option, the scheme would then be formally advertised. There is still an option for those unable to access the online system to meet with officers to discuss their concerns for any scheme.”

For all Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) which are deemed appropriate, officers would first speak to the local County Councillor. If supported, the proposals would be subject to a full 21-day statutory consultation which would include public notices erected on site, advertisements in local press and proposals displayed on the Council’s website.