TALKS that could see greater powers devolved to Redditch to introduce 20mph speed limits – where appropriate – are to start next month.
A discussion group is being set up at County Hall to look into the matter following lobbying by Worcestershire’s Green Party group leader Councillor Matt Jenkins (Worcester, St Stephen’s).
“The current policy is quite restrictive, you have to show a history of accidents, for instance outside schools, before any change might be considered,” he said.
“However it’s been found that 20mph limits have proved very popular in residential areas – you will always get a majority in favour – and new housing estates these days are designed around 20mph limits.”
Backing the initiative is Martin Ball from Alvechurch, who represents the ‘20 is plenty’ campaign group in the county.
Martin has written to County Hall proposing that Rod King MBE, who started the 20 is Plenty campaign, does a presentation to the discussion group on the benefits of cutting residential speed limits by a third.
“It’s possible to improve people’s lives and the environment by making this inexpensive change without any real disadvantages,” said Martin.
“In Alvechurch it took us about five long years working with the county to introduce just a short section of 20mph road so anything that would get it done sooner would be welcome.
“Somewhere like Redditch which can be described as having lots of ‘villages’ connected major road infrastructure, could really benefit from something like this.”
The initiative has also been welcomed by Redditch Borough Councillor and RoadPeace campaigner Lucy Harrison (Con, Batchley & Brockhill) who greeted the news of the talks as ‘a really positive step’.
Coun Harrison has been active in promoting the borough-wide speed watch plans and has been active in making roads safer.
“I think having the power to lower the speed limit is long overdue,” she said.
“You only have to look at Birmingham and see it’s way ahead of us in terms of 20mph areas.
“I would love to see it here – but only where its appropriate. I think it is a really positive step.”
- What do you think? E-mail the editor at: [email protected]
