Twenty miles per hour could soon be the default speed limit on Cheshire East’s residential and urban roads, writes Ethan Davies.
Independent Cllr Suzie Akers Smith, the council’s walking and cycling champion, has proposed a motion to adopt the policy.
If passed, the lower limit will apply to “central, urban and residential roads… [it is] not a blanket measure”.
In the motion, it is argued: “Reducing the default speed limit to 20mph on most urban and residential roads, except where it is safe and compatible with community needs for it to be 30mph, will encourage parents to allow their children to walk and cycle to school.
“It creates safety for those using mobility aids and the partially sighted and will help many people feel safer cycling on the roads because lower speeds make the environment feel safer.
“This change will also reduce congestion, improve air quality and improve the fitness of the borough’s residents, as well as improve the economies of town centres by making them nicer places for people to want to spend time in.
“20mph speed limits are supported by many bodies including the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the Royal College of Paediatrics & Child Health, Alzheimer’s Society, Cycling UK, World Health Organisation, Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Transition Towns and cities, towns and parish councils and community groups.”
Campaigners from the 20sPlenty group have been calling for the change for some years.
They say it help reduce the number and severity of accidents, reduce traffic noise and pollution, reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and the rate of climate change, and encourage more active travel – getting more people walking and cycling.
More than 1,300 Cheshire East residents have signed a petition organised by 20splenty for Cheshire East.
David Mayers, of 20splenty for Cheshire East, said: “So our message to councillors is – don’t miss this opportunity to stand up for the vulnerable road-users, cyclists and pedestrians, young and old; and be part of the change to a more friendly and caring Cheshire East.
“Make it 20splenty in 2020!”
The motion has been seconded by Labour’s Cllr James Barber.
Cheshire East full council will meet online at 11am on Wednesday, December 16.
I suggest all concerned should read one of the conclusions from DfT report 2019 on the effectiveness of 20mph limits. I quote, “However, based on the evidence available to date, this study has found no significant change in collisions and casualties”.
So why are our councillors pushing for the introduction of 20mph limits when a comprehensive report from the Government says they are ineffective? Do our councillors know something no one else seems to appreciate?
This is being proposed because its easy to do. If not enforced it just means considerate drivers have to slow down. Inconsiderate – just as before.
Who is going to monitor this? Certainly not the police who cannot be bothered to catch current speeding cars all around the town. Just seen a guy doing at least 60 mph along Welsh Row having just gone through a red light.
If we have a 20mph limit along Hospital Street, Nantwich it will “take away” the euphoria of having a traffic-free stretch between the mini-roundabout and Churche’s Mansion when many motorists “really put their foot down”.
May I suggest to all those supporting this proposal to consider how it may be enforced? I am not against guidance but there are many who will not obey the rules and I cannot see any authority that can apply it!
Excellent Proposal
Inconsiderate drivers speeding through Nantwich are a growing problem