A signs only 20 mph speed limit in the Abbey/Kingsmead and Widcombe areas of central Bath is being proposed by the Council to improve road safety.
Local people are being given the chance to have their say about the idea in a consultation that runs until 15th March 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. Abbey, Kingsmead and Widcombe are the next communities being given the opportunity to give their view. Many roads in the immediate city centre are already covered by a 20 mph limit. The main circuit around the city centre – the A4 Upper Bristol Road, A36 Lower Bristol Road, and A36 Pulteney Road – are largely excluded. Most roads within them are part of the consultation.
Councillor Roger Symonds (Lib-Dem, Combe Down), Cabinet Member for Transport, said, “Bath city centre is the busiest location for traffic in our area. The Council is proposing to take action on making many of the streets safer for people on foot and who use bicycles. This will create a more pleasant, attractive environment for people to live, work, and visit. We hope people will have their say on our proposal.
“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 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.
“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.
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.
