Agenda item

The Wiltshire Policy on 20 mph Speed Limits and Zones and a report on the related consultation process were considered by the Environment Select Committee on 10 December 2013; the Committee resolved to establish a Task Group to review and aid in the development of the policy, as it was enacted.

The Task Group met on four occasions and explored the adequacy of the current policy with reference to a range of research and witness accounts. The Policy was reviewed, in light of whether it would enable the delivery of reduced numbers of casualties and increased road safety associated with the use of 20 mph speed restrictions.

The Task Group’s final report is available to the Committee which is asked to consider and endorse the recommendations in the report.

The Chairman introduced the remit of the Task Group to review current policy as enacted and highlighted the decision to adopt its recommendations would be made by the Cabinet Member.

The Task Group had explored the adequacy of the Wiltshire Policy on 20 mph Speed Limits and Zones with reference to a range of research and witness accounts. The Policy was reviewed, in light of whether it would enable the delivery of reduced numbers of casualties and increased road safety associated with the use of 20 mph speed restrictions.

The Task Group members described their different approaches to 20mph policy and it was commented that this demonstrated there had been wide-reaching discussion within the Task Group.

Members of the public addressed the Committee as follows:

Paul Freegard suggested 20mph policy would support cyclists and the many benefits of cycling.

William Bailey expressed concern in the organisation of a pilot scheme of 20mph policy in Limpley Stoke village.

Tamzin Daddow read a statement on behalf of Alex Machin from Bradford-on-Avon ‘20’s Plenty’ group which expressed disappointment in the Task Group’s final recommendations and the content of its report.

Martin Rose, Traffic Engineer, responded to issues raised and advised that Wiltshire Council supported 20mph schemes where they were credible, demonstrated by the application of over 80 20mph zones across the county.

Dr Alan Wheals, Westwood Parish Council, expressed disappointment in the content and conclusions of the Task Group’s report.

Margaret Willmot, Salisbury City Council, explained the benefits of 20mph policy in Salisbury and conveyed her dissatisfaction with the conclusions in the report.

Pamela Hyde, Bradford-on-Avon Town Council, advocated a clearer and more flexible policy in Wiltshire to allow a ‘whole-town’ approach to 20mph policy.

Wiltshire Councillors spoke on the report and it was noted that budget constraints limited the action that could be taken to reduce speeding in the county. Questions were raised over the scrutiny process which had produced the report and it was explained that the process was designed to create debate and balance conflicting viewpoints and had been adhered to. It was commented that the Task Group’s recommendations would allow the community to identify credible 20mph zones through their Area Board and the proposal to further review policy in 2017 and 20mph zones outside of schools demonstrated commitment to an evolving policy. Councillors asserted that drivers should make the choice to drive at 20mph when driving conditions were poor.

The Committee considered the report and it was clarified that data quoted in the report was typical of 20mph limits. Members commented that the recommendations would support local groups campaigning for 20mph limits to achieve this through their Area Board. The Committee noted that 20mph policy was a salient issue and policy should evolve over time.

Resolved:

To endorse the following recommendations:

1.    Local road safety initiatives, are pursued by communities with the support of  Community Area Transport Groups (C.A.T.Gs) and Area Boards;

2.    Communities are encouraged to pursue alternative funding, including undertaking their own fundraising to implement schemes that are unable to be catered for by C.A.T.G.s and Area Boards and increasing their precept;

3.    The report on 20 mph limits outside of schools comes to the Environment Select Committee and be progressed;

4.    To allow C.A.T.G.s and Area Boards to facilitate any number of schemes that they believe suits the needs of their communities and makes best use of the existing funds allocated;

5.    That the Task Group reconvenes in 2017 to review the Policy in light of the research commissioned by the Department for Transport and the impact of amendments to Traffic Regulation Orders which may decrease the cost of implementation.