20mph scheme - frequently asked questions

Why my area?

The scheme was prepared after considering the number of road casualties in an area, traffic management and safety schemes already identified in the current work programme and concerns/requests for lower speeds made by residents.

Why not my area?

The programme is designed to reduce speeds and create a culture where driving too fast in residential areas is seen as anti-social. The 20mph speed limit is only suitable for roads where there is dense housing and which do not form part of the trunk road network. In some cases roads which are either very short or cul-de-sacs have not been included. This is because existing speeds are already slow and to include them in the 20mph limit would mean putting up unnecessary signs, which would add to unnecessary street clutter. Speeds in these roads will be monitored to ensure they stay low, and if necessary they can included at a later date.

What are the environmental impacts?

The impact of the 20mph speed limit on the environment is likely to be neutral as the roads included in the scheme are those which have been found to already have low average speeds. Therefore, by reducing the speeds by 2 or 3 mph will have a minimal affect on air quality.

Will there be humps and bumps?

Where the speed limit is lowered to 20mph, as opposed to creating a 20mph zone, we are allowed to control speeds by signs alone. To do this it is necessary that the average existing speeds are 24mph or less. Speed surveys have been carried out in a representational sample of roads and only roads which fit this requirement, are included in the scheme. If roads do not comply then separate consultation will be carried out at a later date to find out if residents want road humps.

Will it be enforced and who will do it?

The speed limit has only been lowered where the existing speeds were 24mph or less. It has been found elsewhere that by reducing the speed limit alone with repeater signs as a reminder the average speeds are reduced by 3-4mph. For this reason it is not expected that extensive enforcement will be needed. However, if we find that there are specific and persistent non-compliance issues in some of the roads then the police will make spot checks and issue speeding fines to offenders.

Will any parking be lost?

Parking will not be affected by the scheme

Will it make any difference to safety?

Yes, the speeds at which vehicles travel is directly linked to the severity of injuries sustained in the event of an accident. A pedestrian, if struck by a vehicle driving at 20mph, is likely to suffer slight injuries. At 30mph they would be severely hurt and at 40mph or above are likely to be killed. Reducing the speed limit to 20mph will have a direct impact on pedestrian safety and is one of the principal reasons for introducing the scheme throughout the city.

Why do we need lots of 20mph signs?

Signs are necessary to alert drivers that they are entering a 20mph area. This will be done using special signs at the junctions where the speed limit changes. It is also necessary to remind drivers of the speed limit and this will be done by erecting small (300mm) diameter repeater signs at regular intervals. The repeater signs will be erected on existing lamp posts unless it is absolutely impossible to do so, thereby minimising street clutter while at the same time keeping drivers informed.

Will speed cameras be installed? 

No, speed cameras are not permitted to be used to enforce a new speed limit.

Will it be permanent?

It is intended that the new speed limit will be permanent although thorough monitoring of its effectiveness will be carried out and if necessary further measures introduced to ensure compliance.

Does 20mph also apply to cyclists? 

The speed limit applies to all road users including cyclists.

30mph is not dangerous driving. Won’t lowering the speed limit cause delays to motorists?

The nature of the city’s residential roads is that due to their narrowness and dense parking it is neither safe or appropriate for vehicles to travel at speeds greater than 20mph. This is borne out by the speed surveys, carried out prior to introducing the schemes, which show that in almost all cases the existing average speed is in the range of 18-24mph on the chosen roads.

How has the scheme been funded?

It has been funded through the our Local Transport Plan (LTP), which is a statutory five-year document. All local authorities have to create a LTP which sets out the strategies for the development and management of transportation within a particular area. In addition, it also provides a breakdown of how local authorities will use the funding to meet both local and national objectives.

Do all associated signs need to be illuminated? 

The speed limit signs at the junctions off principal or trunk roads are not required to be lit if they are less than 50 metres from a street light.

What has the reaction been to those areas that are 20mph?

The reaction from residents where a 20mph speed limit is in place has been overwhelmingly in favour.

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