New 20mph limits will make Bristol roads safer

The central area scheme is the first of six phases in Bristol City Council’s 20mph citywide programme designed to make streets safer and improve quality of life for local communities.

The £2.3million scheme is funded by the Local Sustainable Transport Fund awarded by the Government in 2012.  In terms of future cost savings the average value of prevention of just one slight and one serious injury alone is £200,000.

Two pilot schemes running since May 2010 in the south (Bedminster, Southville and Windmill Hill) and east (Ashley, Easton, Eastville, Lawrence Hill and St Georges West) have been successful with 82 per cent of local residents supporting their scheme now it is in place.

20mph speed limits are being introduced to reduce the risk and severity of collisions in Bristol.  According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA)  while there is a 20 per cent chance of fatal injury when someone is hit by a car travelling at 30mph, this reduces to just 2.5 per cent if the car is travelling at 20mph.

Slower speeds have also been shown to support people to become more active, through increased cycling and walking.

Mayor George Ferguson said: “The new speed limit is part of a number of measures that we are introducing that will help to promote road safety, improve traffic flow, support sustainable transport and active travel and help to make Bristol a more positive place to live and work. The response to the pilot scheme, including the area live, has been extremely positive as has been the reaction of a majority of consultees during the various consultation exercises that have been underway."

Head of Avon and Somerset Police's Roads Policing Unit Superintendent Matt Ayres said: “We have been working in close partnership with Bristol City Council to ensure that, in line with national guidance, the look and feel of the 20mph zones are based on ‘designing out speed’ so that they help drivers take responsibility for their driving behaviour and accepted speed."

The Council’s decision to implement the new speed limit citywide was outlined in the 2010 Joint Local Transport Plan.

For further information about 20mph in Bristol including a map and timetable for each phase plus a journey planner visit: www.bristol20mph.co.uk