Lessons and Opportunities for North Shottery
Overview
Berkswell Village faced long-standing problems caused by excessive traffic speed and volume, placing residents, pedestrians, and school children at risk. Through a structured, evidence-based approach and strong partnership working, Berkswell successfully delivered a comprehensive traffic-calming scheme that is now widely regarded as effective and well supported by the community.
This case study summarises how the scheme was achieved and identifies lessons directly relevant to the North Shottery Residents Association.
The Problem
- Persistent speeding and through-traffic through a historic village centre
- Safety risks for pedestrians, particularly school children
- Damage to village character and residential amenity
- Limited confidence that incremental measures alone would solve the problem
The Approach
1. Early engagement and political support
Berkswell Parish Council took an early leadership role and established a strong working relationship with the Highways Authority. This relationship proved critical, as highways officers were able to advise on technical feasibility, policy requirements, and realistic funding routes.
A cross-community steering group was formed, involving key stakeholders such as the school, church, and local organisations. This ensured broad support and reduced resistance to change.
2. Evidence-based decision making
Berkswell commissioned an initial feasibility study from Hamilton Bailey at a cost of approximately £1,000, funded by the Parish Council. This low-cost first step established credibility, defined the scale of the problem, and secured political backing for further work.
Following this, a detailed Phase 2 design study was commissioned from ARUP at a cost of approximately £10,000. Funding was split equally between the Parish Council and Berkswell Charities.
3. Integration with planning policy
The recommendations from ARUP were aligned with Berkswell’s Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP). Although highways schemes cannot formally sit within an NDP, they can be included as aspirations, providing policy weight and strategic justification.
This alignment strengthened the case for external funding and demonstrated that the scheme formed part of a wider, agreed vision for the village.
4. Securing implementation funding
With evidence, community backing, and policy alignment in place, Berkswell successfully secured implementation funding from the West Midlands Mayor. Comparable schemes elsewhere (e.g. Dorridge) were funded through developer contributions linked to local development, demonstrating multiple viable funding models.
Design Features Implemented
The final scheme combined multiple measures, designed in response to traffic survey data:
- Raised zebra crossing as a central feature, required because average vehicle speeds exceeded 30mph
- Road narrowing to visually and physically reduce speeds
- Speed bumps at key locations
- Reconfigured parking layouts to restore pavements and improve pedestrian safety
- Kerbside posts to prevent vehicles mounting verges
- Use of robust planters (preferably concrete) to reinforce narrowing and protect edges
A key lesson was that 20mph limits are only effective where traffic speeds are already naturally close to 20mph; physical measures were therefore essential.
Costs and Data Collection
Indicative costs from comparable schemes:
- Initial feasibility study: ~£1,000
- Detailed design report: ~£10,000
- Speed surveys (7-day tube counts): ~£300
- Junction traffic surveys (video analysis): ~£750
These relatively modest early costs unlocked larger implementation funding later.
Key Success Factors
- Strong partnership with the Highways Authority
- Early political buy-in from the Parish Council
- Clear, professional evidence base
- Broad community involvement and consensus
- Alignment with planning policy and environmental objectives
- Willingness to invest modest sums early to unlock larger funding
Relevance to North Shottery
North Shottery shares many characteristics with Berkswell:
- Historic environment and conservation area sensitivities
- School-related traffic pressures
- Through-traffic using residential roads as shortcuts
- Air quality, noise, and safety concerns
For Shottery, Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council is the closest equivalent to Berkswell Parish Council. The Town Council’s Neighbourhood Development Plan and entitlement to 25% of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) receipts present a clear opportunity to replicate Berkswell’s approach.
Additional funding routes may include CIL, Section 106 contributions, mayoral or government grants, charitable trusts, and carbon-reduction or air-quality funding streams.
Conclusion
The Berkswell case demonstrates that meaningful traffic calming in historic villages is achievable when approached strategically. By combining community leadership, professional evidence, and smart use of planning and funding mechanisms, North Shottery can build a strong, credible case for change.
Prepared for the North Shottery Residents Association