New 20 mph speed limits are due to start in Radstock/Westfield this September, in response to requests from residents to make streets safer for people on foot and on bicycles.
Works to provide poles, signs, and road markings commenced on Monday.
The speed limit follows extensive consultation with all communities and the approval of Traffic Regulation Orders by the Cabinet Member for Transport.
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.
Councillor Caroline Roberts (Lib-Dem, Newbridge), Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “The feedback that Bath & North East Somerset Council has received about these works has been 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.”
The concept of 20mph limits in built-up areas has been welcomed by police in Bath and North East Somerset.
Chief Inspector Norman Pascal said: “Generally we are in favour of any scheme that makes the roads safer for all users. Reducing the speed of motorists in built-up areas should help that.
“We would like motorists to take responsibility for their driving behaviour and to obey the new limits. Community Speed Watch volunteers, who we support, will monitor the 20mph zones, and we can use our mobile safety speed camera vans if there’s evidence that the public are at risk in any particular area.”
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.
