20mph speed limit programme Phases 3 and 4

We Asked

A public consultation was conducted from 24 July to 25 September regarding phases 3 and 4 of the 20mph speed limit programme.

Participants of the consultation were asked whether they supported or objected to the programme of roads for 20mph speed limits and the reasons for their sentiments.

You Said

1,782 people responded to the consultation. 87.4% of participants objected to the Programme, with 12.8% in support.

Of those who supported the scheme the top reasons were that it will make the roads safer (94.0%), that it would change driver behaviour and attitudes for the better (73.7%) and would become an accepted aspect of road safety (67.7%).

Of those who objected to the scheme, the top reasons for objection were that it would increase congestion and journey times (29.0%), it will not decrease air pollution (21.4%) and that it will not make the roads safer (19.9%).

We Did

As part of the legal process for introducing a 20mph speed limit, the findings of the consultation, and the written responses, were reported back to the Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee for members to make a decision on how to proceed.

At the meeting of the Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee on 03/12/2024 (External link) the Director of Neighbourhood Services was authorised to introduce Phases 3 and 4 of the 20mph speed limit programme on those roads or parts of roads shown on the list on the consultation page.

The Chair of the meeting advised that the overwhelming priority in rolling out 20mph had always been reduction of road danger for all road users. Road users are 5 times less likely to be killed if hit by a car traveling at 20 mph compared with 30mph. Collisions are also less likely to occur in the first place because stopping distances are reduced significantly when speed comes down. Whilst slower speeds may encourage walking, cycling and other activities as well as reducing noise pollution and other environmental impacts, reduction of road danger was the primary reason for 20mph and still is.

The council are also in the process of reviewing earlier phases of the 20mph speed limit programme to ensure they are working effectively and, if they aren’t, we can see what can be done differently.