Q. How do we get additional funding?

A.    Moorside Estate Home Zone in Dewsbury, Kirklees is a Council owned estate. The traffic department managed to get the housing management department on board by introducing them to the Home Zone concept and its advantages. They took them to trial Home Zones in the UK and showed them examples from Europe.

During the consultation process with the residents it was clear that the whole estate was keen to have a Home Zone treatment. Housing officers working with traffic officers noted this request and prepared a report that was presented to the Housing Committee. As a result, Housing Services approved approximately £1.8m for the whole of the estate to have Home Zone treatment.

The trick is to convince the senior management, who ultimately hold the budget.   Further examples will be added as we identify them.

Q.  What does a fried egg have to do with Home Zones?

 A.  If your Home Zone acts as the ‘yolk’ within a 20mph zone ‘white’, traffic will be travelling at a more appropriate speed when they enter the Home Zone.  It also gets over the problems of sign clutter and the mixed message to drivers of a 20mph sign next to a Home Zone sign.  In addition it will mean that it will not be necessary to sign and light all features in the Home Zone.  See the IHIE Guidelines for further information.

Q.  When is a Home Zone not a Home Zone?

 A.  When you can drive safely above 10mph in it.

Q.  Can Home Zone Challenge funds be used for maintenance?

 A.  No.

Q.  If my programme slips can I claim Home Zone Challenge funds after the February 2005 deadline?

 A.  Challenge funds are paid upon receipt of a valid invoice for works done in arrears.  Any invoices received after February 2005 will not be paid.  Any invoices for works not yet undertaken but submitted by February 2005 deadline will not be paid.

Q.  Will there be another Home Zones Challenge?

 A.  Unlikely.

Q.  My scheme is now likely to cost more than I have funds for.  Will the Department be able to provide me with any further funds on top of my award?

 A.  No further funds are available through the Challenge.  Other sources of funding that it may be worth considering include Doorstep Greens and Liveability Funds.  It may also be worth trying to work with organisations such as Mersey Forest  to see if they could assist with particular items such as planting.

Q.  How and when should I designate my Home Zone?

 A.  Home Zones should be designated (see Section 268 of The Transport Act 2000) before works start on site.  The Procedure Regulations for designation and for Use and Speed Orders are being drafted and the DfT expects to consult shortly.  It is hoped that the regulations will be in place by the end of the year.  In the meantime it is important that Local Highway Authorities follow the spirit of the consultation version of the document.  A Home Zone could be designated through Council Resolution (for example via a report to Members or Executive Officers).  Designation needs to be in place before signs can be erected.

Q.  Why do we need to submit an Audit Certificate.

 A.  Because the Department needs to be able to demonstrate to Treasury that funds have been spent in line with the terms and conditions of the Challenge.

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