New Local 20mph Speed Limit Planned

A signs only 20 mph speed limit in Walcot, Lansdown, and part of Lambridge 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 14^th January 2013. A leaflet to every household in the proposed restriction area will be distributed shortly.

The Council is investing £500,000 into safer speed limits across the district. Walcot, Lansdown, and part of Lambridge are the next communities being given the opportunity to give their view. Most roads would be part of the speed limit although some are proposed to remain 30 mph, such as some of the existing main routes like Lansdown Road and A4 London Road.

Councillor Roger Symonds (Lib-Dem, Combe Down), Cabinet Member for Transport, said, “Reduced speed limits with safer streets is a key road priority for Bath & North East Somerset Council so that communities are better places to walk, cycle and spend time in. People now have the opportunity to have their say in Walcot, Lansdown, and part of Lambridge about the idea of a 20 mph limit on many of their streets.

“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.