20mph speed limits are up for review in Bristol
Bristol City Council is currently reviewing 20mph limits in Bristol – and you can have your say.
A review of 20mph speed limits is currently underway to assess how well it is working in communities across the city – and you can have your say.
The review is currently ongoing until 31 August 2018 via an online consultation.
The aim of the 20mph review is to identify whether any adjustments are needed to the 20mph speed limit across the city in order to improve its effectiveness.
The evidence will be considered in the context of findings from the Bristol Twenty Miles Per Hour Limit Evaluation (BRITE) study by the University of the West of England (UWE), which was published earlier this year, of more than 36 million vehicle movements following the roll-out of 20mph zones in 2014.
According to the research more than four lives a year have been saved since the introduction of 20mph zones across Bristol and average speeds on roads where the 20mph limit was introduced fell by a statistically significant 2.7mph since 2014.
About 170 injuries were prevented, saving £15m a year.
The review is only looking at changes to speed limits rather than physical changes like speed bumps or traffic calming.
James Cleeton, England Director South, said that Sustrans fundamentally supports 20mph speed limits and the efficacy slower, safer speed limits bring to the city and to vulnerable road users.
He said:
“We know from the evidence that a person hit by a car travelling at 30mph is eight times more likely to die than if hit by a car travelling at 20mph.
“Research into Bristol’s 20mph limits by the University of the West of England has shown that they save lives and benefit Bristol’s economy by millions every year.
“Our position is that all built-up areas should have a default 20mph speed limit as one of the most effective ways of reducing danger on our roads. We know from our research that more people would choose to walk and cycle if the roads felt safer – the easiest way to do this is to reduce traffic speeds, especially in residential areas and around schools.
“Without collective action to safeguard the 20mph limits, there is real possibility that Councillors will only be influenced by those who would like to see many of our residential streets revert to 30mph. I encourage people to take part in this review to ensure that their voices are heard.”
Cllr Mhairi Threlfall, Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity said:
“Evidence shows that slower speeds reduce the number and severity of collisions on our roads and the 20mph monitoring report has shown that, on average, speeds on more than 100 surveyed roads have significantly reduced since 20mph limits were introduced.
“We’re keen to build on this research which is where the reviews come in to take on board feedback from residents. Please make sure you have your say during the consultation process.”
Residents concerned about traffic speed can also participate in the Community Speedwatch programme which is a police and council initiative designed to give local people the ability to actively get involved in road safety in their neighbourhood. Residents volunteer to monitor speeds using speed detection equipment and record details of any vehicles travelling over the limit to share with the police.
Paper versions of the 20mph review can be requested by email