New 20mph speed limit schemes represent a significant step towards influencing driver behaviour and delivering our Vision Zero commitment – an ambitious strategy to eliminate all death and serious injury from our county’s roads.
There is a proven relationship between motor vehicle speed and the number and severity of injury collisions.Research shows that 20mph zones can result in reductions of 25% in collisions and 25% in collisions resulting in death or serious injury.
There is some evidence that 20mph zones also deliver benefits in terms of lower emissions, improved air quality and reduced noise levels.
Over the longer term it is anticipated that a gradual increase in compliance with the 20mph speed limit will lead to a reduction in collisions, helping to create safer communities.
Cllr Milsom, Labour Councillor for Crookes and Crosspool said;
‘I have been fighting hard to keep our children safe on their journey to school. Many of the residential streets have already been designated as advisory 20mph zones so that journeys can be safer, and children and parents can make more enjoyable, healthier travel choices.
‘I am delighted that this approach has been extended to other roads outside schools and that Manchester Road outside Lydgate junior School – which also serves as a crossing for children and young people accessing Tapton and King Edwards Schools – is to be included in the first wave.
‘I have been profoundly troubled by accidents involving children crossing on this stretch of road over the past few years and my sincere hope is that the installation of a part-time 20mph speed limit outside the school will enable children to cross safely and without accidents.’