Signs only 20 mph speed limits are now in place in Twerton and Southdown as the first step of plans to introduce lower limits on all residential streets across the area.
New 20 mph signs were put in place a few days ago as the Council seeks to make residential streets safer for children and adults. Over the next two years, the vast majority of residential streets will get the same as part of a £500,000 investment.
Councillor Roger Symonds (Lib-Dem, Combe Down), Cabinet Member for Transport, said, “The feedback that Bath & North East Somerset Council has received about these proposals was very positive. People want to see safer streets and reduced speed limits so that their communities are better places to walk, cycle, and spend time in. Importantly, we have the support of the local police who welcome this concept.
“The statistics are on our side. 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 new limit in Twerton has received support from Transition Bath. Matt Hemsley, who represents their Transport Group, said, “Slower speed limits will play a big part in making our communities places for people, rather than traffic. Parents can feel more confident in giving our children the freedom that many of us enjoyed when growing up, getting out and about independently without worrying about speeding traffic and a serious accident.”
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. I am hoping that drivers will take responsibility for the speed of their vehicles and adjust their driving habits accordingly. My officers will work alongside the Council ensuring we raise awareness of the new speed limits and encouraging drivers to embrace and adhere to the new speed limits.”
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.
Homes in Westmoreland, Oldfield, Lyncombe, and Widcombe have now received a consultation leaflet, as have people in Keynsham.
Informal consultation is complete in Peasedown St. John and the next stage is the formal Traffic Regulation Order process which will take place in the near future.
The introduction of the limits is subject to local consultation. 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.
