A signs-only 20mph speed limit in Midsomer Norton is being proposed by Bath & North East Somerset Council to improve road safety. Local people are being given the chance to have their say about the idea in a consultation that runs until 7th November 2012. A leaflet to every household in the proposed restriction area will be distributed shortly.
The Council is investing £500,000 into safer speed limits across the district and Midsomer Norton is the next community being given the opportunity to give their view. Most roads would be part of the speed limit although some are proposed to remain 30 mph including West Road, Station Road, North Road, Radstock Road, Northmead Road, and Paulton Road.
Councillor Paul Crossley (Lib-Dem, Southdown), Leader of Council, said, "We know that people want to see safer streets and reduced speed limits so that communities are better places to cycle, walk, and spend time in. Bath & North East Somerset Council is giving the opportunity for people in Midsomer Norton to have their say about the idea of a 20 mph limit in their community.
"The statistics are on our side. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents estimates that a pedestrian has a ninety per cent chance of surviving being hit by a car at twenty mph, falling to a fifty per cent chance at 30 mph and to ten per cent at 40 mph."
The concept of 20 mph has been welcomed previously by the local Police. Chief Inspector Simon Ellis, Avon & Somerset Police, said, "Generally we welcome the concept of 20 mph in built-up areas. Reducing the speed of motorists in built up areas has to be a good thing and I have no doubts that it will make these areas safer places. I am hoping that drivers will take responsibility for the speed of their vehicles and adjust their driving habits accordingly. My officers will work alongside the Council ensuring we raise awareness of the new speed limits and encouraging drivers to embrace and adhere to the new speed limits."
Next steps
There is further information about the timetable and proposed order for introducing the limits on the Council's website on www.bathnes.gov.uk/20mphspeedlimit or email transportation@bathnes.gov.uk or call 01225 39 40 41. Informal consultation is complete in Peasedown St. John and the next stage is the formal Traffic Regulation Order process which will take place in the near future.
The introduction of the limits is subject to local consultation. No traffic calming measures will be introduced in combination with the introduction of the limits. The scheme will only cover appropriate residents streets, not main roads, and will avoid using over intrusive signage.
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