Agenda item

“The Stockholm declaration, endorsed by the UK government in February this year, sets a framework to reduce road deaths and injuries by 50%: A critical measure is to: 

”…mandate a maximum road travel speed of 30 km/h in areas where vulnerable road users and vehicles mix in a frequent and planned manner, except where strong evidence exists that higher speeds are safe” 

The Spanish Government recently announced it will introduce this limit nationally.  20mph limits are popular with residents, make them feel safer, and increase walking and cycling. 

Currently, 20mph limits are only put in place where average speeds are already at relatively safe levels (24mph). This is perverse and sends the wrong message to drivers about the dangers of speeding. Evidence says that simply introducing 20mph limits disproportionately slows those driving the fastest.  

This County Council supports the premise that 20mph is the optimum speed limit in built-up areas and therefore:   

1.      Unless there is compelling evidence for a higher limit, newly adopted residential roads, and adopted highway in commercial areas leading to residential roads, will have 20mph limits or zone. 

2.     Parish, Town, City Councils will by default be supported in reducing speed limits in existing streets or areas on the basis of their local knowledge and the wishes of their residents, whilst taking note of national guidance.  Where funding from any source is available, they will subsequently be supported to put in place necessary speed-calming measures to bring maximum and average speeds down to acceptable levels.”

With the consent of Council, Councillor Sudbury and Councillor Mathew seconded the following motion, amended at the suggestion of Councillor Sames as shown in bold italics and strikethrough below:

“The Stockholm declaration, endorsed by the UK government in February this year, sets a framework to reduce road deaths and injuries by 50%: A critical measure is to: 

”…mandate a maximum road travel speed of 30 km/h in areas where vulnerable road users and vehicles mix in a frequent and planned manner, except where strong evidence exists that higher speeds are safe” 

The Spanish Government recently announced it will introduce this limit nationally.  20mph limits are popular with residents, make them feel safer, and increase walking and cycling. 

Currently, 20mph limits are only put in place where average speeds are already at relatively safe levels (24mph). This is perverse and sends the wrong message to drivers about the dangers of speeding. Evidence says that simply introducing 20mph limits disproportionately slows those driving the fastest.  

This County Council supports the premise that 20mph is the optimum speed limit in built-up areas and therefore:   

1.     Unless there is compelling evidence for a higher limit, newly adopted residential roads, and adopted highway in commercial areas leading to residential roads, will have 20mph limits or zone. new residential roads should be designed for 20mph at the planning stage. Particular attention should be given in areas in the vicinity of new schools.

2.     Parish, Town, City Councils will by default be supported in reducing speed limits in existing streets or areas on the basis of their local knowledge and the wishes of their residents, whilst where requested by local residents and taking note of national guidance.  Where funding from any source is available, they will subsequently be supported to put in place necessary speed-calming measures to bring maximum and average speeds down to acceptable levels.”

Following debate, the Motion as amended was put to the vote and was carried unanimously.

RESOLVED:  (unanimously)

“The Stockholm declaration, endorsed by the UK government in February this year, sets a framework to reduce road deaths and injuries by 50%: A critical measure is to: 

”…mandate a maximum road travel speed of 30 km/h in areas where vulnerable road users and vehicles mix in a frequent and planned manner, except where strong evidence exists that higher speeds are safe” 

The Spanish Government recently announced it will introduce this limit nationally.  20mph limits are popular with residents, make them feel safer, and increase walking and cycling. 

Currently, 20mph limits are only put in place where average speeds are already at relatively safe levels (24mph). This is perverse and sends the wrong message to drivers about the dangers of speeding. Evidence says that simply introducing 20mph limits disproportionately slows those driving the fastest.  

This County Council supports the premise that 20mph is the optimum speed limit in built-up areas and therefore:   

1.     Unless there is compelling evidence for a higher limit, new residential roads should be designed for 20mph at the planning stage. Particular attention should be given in areas in the vicinity of new schools.

2.     Parish, Town, City Councils will be supported in reducing speed limits where requested by local residents and taking note of national guidance.  Where funding from any source is available, they will subsequently be supported to put in place necessary speed-calming measures to bring maximum and average speeds down to acceptable levels.”