20 mph debate continues: councillors responses

I recently wrote to all County Councillors seeking their support for more 20 mph zones. It has been interesting to enter into debate with some of them: I enclose a couple of their comments below along with my reply to Highways sent this evening.

By clicking on the 'Label' below you'll pick up my past correspondence and discussions around 20 mph zones including my original letter outlining the case (see 9th Feb). Here first below is the response from Highways with a copy of the motion currently being considered:

Dear Councillor Booth

I have been asked to respond to your recent email to the Leader of the Council and a number of other Cabinet Members, supporting introduction of more widespread 20 mph residential speed limits in Gloucestershire.

As you are aware, the County Council is making strides in increasing the number of 20 mph zones around schools and as recently as last month, a Motion aimed at accelerating this process was put to the full County Council. It will be discussed early next month by our Environment Scrutiny Committee.

We are also interested in exploring ideas about the future design of residential areas and Duncan Jordan, the Group Director: Environment is looking into the possibility of a local conference on "Shared Space" issues, given the degree of local interest in this. Having said that, I think we all recognise that it is much easier to bring in lower speeds by addressing the issue at the design stage, rather than trying to retro-fit them and for this reason, at present ,we prefer to take every case for 20 mph limits on its own merit rather than adopt a blanket policy for all residential roads.

Tony Roberts
Executive Support : Environment Directorate

Note - the Motion which was proposed:

• welcomed DfT initiative in asking Local Authorities to review speed limits and the issuing of new guidance in setting local limits
• suggested that " inconsistent" use of 20 mph zones within the County was not sending "the correct message to drivers in Gloucestershire"
• asked the Council to make all roads outside schools 20mph zones whenever practical
• asked the Council to campaign to reduce driver speed, including in areas with schools

It is normal practice for Motions which include this level of detail to go to the appropriate Service Scrutiny Committee rather than be debated at length by full Council

Here is my response:

Thank you very much for your reply.

I am delighted that you are considering the Shared Spaces approach. You maybe aware that I was involved in researching this approach some years ago and helped organise the seminar at Stroud District Council. See article:
http://www.resurgence.org/selection/booth0306.htm

I am convinced that this approach offers the best way to tackle congestion, reduce casualties, improve roads for all users and encourage more pedestrians and cycling. It has been good to see this approach adopted more in this country like in the London Borough of Kensington - very inspiring.

However, as I am sure you are aware, the concept can be difficult to grasp at first. This is especially so as we have been taught that segregation is the safest way. At some meetings, I have spoken at, there has been initial strong opposition, but experience shows that given time people readily accept the idea. Last night, for example, Cllr Sarah Lunnon, spoke to a residents group in Stroud who are now very keen to explore the idea. Introduction of such schemes needs to be carefully planned. Having said that any traffic measures can produce strong reactions - and many people are now strongly opposed to humps and bumps!

Clearly one important aspect of the Shared Spaces approach is the 20 mph zone. I understand that the long-awaited 'Manual for Streets' is due out in March and will at least give a mention to Shared Spaces. The draft 'Manual for Streets' as I am sure you are aware, makes a very welcomed statement on 20mph zones: "7.9.2 All streets whose main function is to provide a residential environment should have vehicle speeds of no more than 20mph. All measures that slow traffic help pedestrians feel safer. The most effective ways to discourage speeds above 20 mph are often to either generate sufficient ‘side friction’ on streets e.g. by the provision of on street parking, ......."

I personally still would like to see all residential streets have a 20 mph including all town and village centres - this is common in much of Europe. Indeed I can see no argument in favour of 30mph. An A&E Consultant has written to me expressing a similar view.

I hope very much that you will still consider working towards making 20mph the standard - certainly for all new residential roads.

All the best - Philip

It is vital we keep up the pressure. Here are some of the other views:

Dr John Cordwell, Shadow Planning and Transport Portfolio Holder, Gloucestershire County Council kindly agreed I could print his response here: “The previous Lib/Lab County administration's programme included the introduction of 20 mph speed limits around schools and considerable progress was made on that. The current county administration has a freeze on the introduction of further 20 mph limits and zones whilst it considers criteria on which it can prioritise need. I am trying to get two 20 mph zones locally, one in a rural area and the other in a village housing estate.”

Lesley Williams, County councillor for Stonehouse has also been very positive: indeed one of the leading lights locally pushing the Shared Space approach and 20 mph. She is off to Holland next week to explore more of the Dutch and Danish experience of Shared Spaces - Green councillor Sarah Lunnon who got me involved in this will be joining the study tour. See Lesley's comments re 20 mph and Shared Space on her blog.

And lastly here is another County Councillors response which is perhaps not so helpful (and perhaps best left anonymous!): "Out of consideration for your fellow man would you please restrict sending your sermons to something more akin to normal business hours. Outbreaks of hilarity at the end of dinner parties prolong them unnecessarily!"