PR 2928
06 August 2013
For Immediate Release
Your views needed on 20mph limit phase 2
Residents in nine different areas will be asked for their views on the proposals for a second phase of 20 mph speed limit.
It follows public consultation in 2012 and the introduction in April this year of a 20mph limit in central Brighton & Hove.
National and international research clearly shows that a 20mph speed limit leads to a reduction in road collisions and the severity of casualties, improves the quality of life of local residents and encourages more walking and cycling which would bring significant health benefits and reduce congestion making our city a better place to live, work in and visit.
Cllr Ian Davey, lead on transport, said:
“The council is committed to making the roads in the city safer for everyone and we know reducing traffic speeds to 20mph in residential streets is a practical and popular way we can do this.”
The next phase of the consultation on the 20mph scheme across Brighton & Hove is due to begin in mid-August. Residents, business owners and other stakeholders in the proposed next phase will receive information about the proposals and be able to have their say about the plans.
The proposed area of phase 2 has been expanded due to demand in areas such as Hollingdean and Preston Village where people are keen to discuss 20mph in their neighbourhood. The proposals continue to leave many main roads into the city at 30mph.
We are continuing to monitor the areas where the 20mph limit is already in place and whilst it is still early days the feedback so far has been very positive, particularly from pedestrians and cyclists. The local bus company have also reported improvements in service reliability.
Cllr Ian Davey continued:
“We are continuing to listen to all views. Council officers will meet with resident groups and ward councillors as well as with other interested parties as part of the consultation.
Background
In April 2013, a 20mph speed limit was introduced in central Brighton & Hove. This was the first phase of the city wide programme to improve safety in residential and shopping areas across the city.
The aim of introducing the limit is to improve safety and the street environment for all road users, including car drivers, by reducing the number and severity of collisions and casualties on the city’s roads, improving traffic flows and making the city a safer and better place to live, work in and visit.
We hope to making the streets safer and moré pleasant will encourage more walking and cycling, especially for local trips. This will not only bring road safety benefits, but will also help to improve overall health and well being.
The consultation questionnaire can be completed online
http://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/20mph from 13th August 2013 or by attending one of the public exhibitions or by requesting a paper version by phoning us on 01273293864 or emailing us at
transport.planning@brighton-hove.gov.ukFAQS
Why are you proposing a 20mph
limit for most of Brighton & Hove?
Following public consultation in 2012 and a growing number of petitions from local communities, a clear majority of residents across the city have told us they are in favour of reducing speed limits for residential and local shopping areas. National and international research clearly shows that a 20mph speed limit leads to a reduction in road collisions and the severity of casualties, improves the quality of life of local neighbourhoods, and encourages more walking and cycling for local trips. This in turn would bring significant health benefits and reduce congestion, all of which should make our city a better place to live, work in and visit.
Where is the money coming from to pay for this?
The funding for introducing 20mph across the city comes from the government’s Department for Transport.
Will any new 20mph limits be enforced?
We hope that responsible drivers who understand the reasons behind its introduction will stick to the 20mph limit. In exceptional circumstances enforcement may be carried out. There may also be a future need to install traffic calming or additional signs in some streets in order to reduce speeds.
What happens next?
Following the consultation, officers will assess all the responses to see where the 20mph limit is supported, and where it is not. This information together with the results of traffic surveys, road casualty data and individual street assessments will be used to put together final proposals which will be presented to city councillors at the Environment, Transport and Sustainability Committee in November 2013. If the proposals are agreed by the committee, Speed Limit Orders will be advertised and you will have another opportunity to support or oppose the proposals then. A final decision on any implementation of the second phase would then be taken by the Environment, Transport and Sustainability Committee early in 2014.
When would the new limit be in place?
Subject to the results of this consultation, the advertisement of formal Speed Limit Orders and approvals from the Environment, Transport and Sustainability Committee, it is anticipated that any new 20mph limits agreed would be implemented in February/March 2014.
Public Exhibitions
Details of the proposals will be on display with officers available to answer questions.
Coldean Library
Saturday 30th August 10am - 1pm
Monday 2nd September 10am - 1pm
Patcham Library
Friday 6th September 2pm - 5pm
Saturday 7th September 10am - 1pm
Hollingbury Library
Thursday 12th September 10am-1pm
Westdene Library
Friday 13th September 2pm - 5pm
Saturday 14th September 10am - 1pm
Varndean College
Monday 16th September 6pm - 8pm
Moulsecoomb Library
Thursday 19th September 2pm - 6pm
Saturday 21st September 10am - 1pm
Portslade Library
Friday 20th September 10am - 1pm
Saturday 21st September 10am -1pm
Hove Town Hall
26 September, 2pm-7pm
27 September, 10am-5pm
28 September, 9am-1pm
Bartholomew House
23 September, 12noon-5pm
24 September, 10am-5pm
25 September, 10am-2pm
Whitehawk Library
Friday 27th September 2pm - 5pm
Saturday 28th September 10am -1pm
I spoke on BBC Radio Sussex & BBC Radio Surrey about this today for their drive time show at 17:05 approximately.
It is appalling to propose a second development (although they were always planning this anyway) before they have properly reviewed at least 3 yrs of data and facts.
Since Portsmouth 20mph zone still shows that it is the worst performing per volume of traffic in the whole of the UK, I would have thought this would make them re-think !
People only alter their speed by 1mph after a change in speed limit which does not seem to be taken into consideration whatsoever.
And then the false sense of security that is created is potentially very dangerous.
Public opinion is helpful towards a decision but a full look at hard data & facts plus the engineers reports, ought to be the deciding factor. Public opinion is swayed by media promotions than hard facts and figures so it cannot be relied upon.
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