Residents are being asked their views on a proposed 20 mph scheme for Bathampton, Batheaston, Bathford, and Beckford Gardens as part of the Council’s plans to improve road safety.
Local people are being given the chance to have their say about the idea in a consultation that runs until 12th April 2013. A leaflet to households in the proposed restriction area will be distributed shortly.
The Council is investing £500,000 into safer speed limits across the district. Bathampton, Batheaston, Bathford, and Beckford Gardens are the next communities being given the opportunity to give their view.
Councillor Roger Symonds (Lib-Dem, Combe Down), Cabinet Member for Transport, said, “Excellent progress is being made by Bath & North East Somerset Council on consulting with communities on our proposals for twenty miles per hour schemes. People in Bathampton, Batheaston, and Bathford, as well as Beckford Gardens now get their chance to have their say.
“The proposals would make the streets safer for people on foot and on bicycles, making those communities a more pleasant place to live.”
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents estimates that a pedestrian has a ninety per cent chance of surviving being hit by a car at twenty mph, falling to a fifty per cent chance at 30 mph and to ten per cent at 40 mph.
The concept of 20 mph has been welcomed previously by the local Police. Chief Inspector Simon Ellis, Avon & Somerset Police, said, “Generally we welcome the concept of 20 mph in built-up areas. Reducing the speed of motorists in built up areas has to be a good thing and I have no doubts that it will make these areas safer places.”
There is further information about the timetable and proposed order for introducing the limits on the Council’s website on www.bathnes.gov.uk/20mphspeedlimit or email [email protected] or call 01225 39 40 41.
The informal consultation takes place prior to a formal Traffic Regulation Order where people will again have the chance to have their say.
No traffic calming measures will be introduced in combination with the introduction of the limits. The scheme will only cover appropriate residents streets, not main roads, and will avoid using over intrusive signage.
