Following strong support for introducing a 20mph speed limit in Southdown and Twerton, the Council is proposing to introduce a permanent 20mph Speed Limit Order in Spring 2012.
1096 responses where received to the recent informal consultation, with a large majority (68%) in favour of introducing the 20mph speed limit. 70% considered that the 20mph speed limit would improve safety, 52% that the 20mph speed limit would improve their local environment and 32% that the scheme would increase walking and cycling in the neighbourhood.
The 20mph speed limit does not involve the introduction of any physical calming measures such as speed humps. Prominent 20mph speed limit signs will be placed where the new limit begins. These signs will be installed at the boundary of the proposed area and it may be necessary to repeat the 20mph road markings on some of the busier roads in the area.
Frequently asked questions
Q - What are the environmental impacts?
A - The impact of the 20mph speed limit on the environment is likely to be neutral as the roads included in the scheme are those which have been found to already have low average speeds. Therefore, reducing the speeds by 2 or 3 mph will have a minimal effect on air quality.
Q - Will there be humps and bumps?
A – No, only signs and speed roundels will be used.
Q - Will it be enforced and who will do it?
A - It has been found elsewhere that by reducing the speed limit alone with repeater signs as a reminder the average speeds are reduced by 3-4mph. For this reason it is not expected that extensive enforcement will be needed. However a Community Speed Watch Campaign may be introduced on roads where speeding traffic remains high and where there is support from the local community
Q - Will any parking be lost?
A - Parking will not be affected by the scheme
Q - Will it make any difference to safety?
A - Yes, the speeds at which vehicles travel is directly linked to the severity of injuries sustained in the event of an accident. A pedestrian, if struck by a vehicle driving at 20mph, is likely to suffer slight injuries. At 30mph they would be severely hurt and at 40mph or above are likely to be killed. Reducing the speed limit to 20mph will have a direct impact on pedestrian safety and is one of the principal reasons for introducing the scheme throughout the city.
Q - Will the District become full of 20mph signs?
A - Signs are necessary to alert drivers that they are entering a 20mph area. This will be done using special signs at the junctions where the 20mph speed limit begins. It may also be necessary to remind drivers of the speed limit and this will be done by marking “20” roundels on the road.
Q - What if I don’t want it?
A - If you are opposed to the draft Traffic Regulation Order to change the speed limit in your area to 20mph you are entitled to comment in writing (address below).
A - Your objection will then be reported to The Cabinet prior to a decision being made to implement the scheme
Q - Will speed cameras be installed?
A - No, speed cameras are not permitted to be used to enforce a new speed limit.
Q - Will it be permanent?
A - The initial pilot scheme will operate under an experimental order for a maximum period of eighteen months. After this, and the pilot is successful and residents are in favour, it is intended that the new speed limit will be made permanent, although thorough monitoring of its effectiveness will be carried out and if necessary further measures introduced to ensure compliance.
Q - Does 20mph also apply to cyclists?
A - The speed limit applies to all road users including cyclists.
Q - 30mph is not dangerous driving. Won’t lowering the speed limit cause delays to motorists?
A - The nature of residential roads is that due to their narrowness and dense parking it is neither safe nor appropriate for vehicles to travel at speeds greater than 20mph. This is borne out by the speed surveys, carried out prior to introducing the schemes, which show that in almost all cases the existing average speed is below 30mph on roads within the selected areas.
Q - Do all associated signs need to be illuminated?
A - No, they do not unless the speed limit signs are at the junctions off principal or trunk roads and if they are less than 50metres from a street light.
Q - What has the reaction been in other cities where 20mph speed limits have been introduced?
A - To date the reaction from residents of areas in other cities where 20mph speed limit has been introduced is overwhelmingly in favour.