News / 20mph
’Save Bristol’s 20mph zones’
Campaigners fighting for Bristol’s 20mph zones say people need to take action and make their voices heard for the sake of children’s safety.
The council is currently conducting a review of around 100 roads across the city to assess the effectiveness of existing speed limits and whether or not they should be changed.
A recent report published by UWE Bristol set out stark evidence that suggested 20mph zones prevent more than four fatalities a year, reduce injuries and save the NHS an estimated £15m annually.
is needed now More than ever
But opponents argue they are ineffective and say the blanket rollout was a waste of public money.
It is a debate that has rumbled on and on in Bristol for years now and this consultation is fulfilling the mayor’s manifesto promise to review key streets across the city and make evidence-based decisions on whether speed limits or traffic measures should be altered.
A recent report says that 20mph zones save lives
Zoe Trinder-Widdess, an Easton-based parent and communications manager for Bristol Health Partners is campaigning for more 20mph zones and is urging others who feel the same to make their voices heard.
“I am a huge fan of 20mph, and I don’t just mean where I live, or round my daughter’s school,” she says.
“Slower speeds dramatically increase people’s likelihood of survival if they are hit by a vehicle. You can really tell the difference between a 20mph road and a 30mph road. Roads with 30mph limits are much more stressful to walk along, let alone cross, especially with children in tow.
“They form a barrier between us and the places we want to get to – often the parks and green spaces in our neighbourhood, ironically enough. Having to deal with speedier roads puts you off walking or cycling, so more people drive and the vicious circle continues.
“We’re lucky to live in a quiet neighbourhood anyway, but with 20mph I am more comfortable in allowing my daughter to cycle on the roads or cross them unsupervised, as part of developing her life skills.”
Of those roads mentioned in the consultation, 83 have 20mph limits in place and six have 30mph. Possible outcomes include traffic calming measures and community speed watch programmes, as well as a change to the limit.
A blanket rollout of 20mph zones was introduced under former mayor George Ferguson’s rule
Dr Suzanne Audrey, senior research fellow in public health at the University of Bristol and co-director of the Supporting Healthy Inclusive Neighbourhood Environments health integration team (SHINE) is also backing the campaign to keep 20MPH zones.
“20mph limits are such an obviously effective way of making our neighbourhoods safer and healthier,” she said.
“We all know that people need to be more active and get out and about more, for their physical and mental health. These slower speed limits are a powerful way to enable that.
“Many of the roads that are up for review are the busier, more dangerous roads. They’re also arterial routes for pedestrians and cyclists, not just motorists. It would be a tragedy for Bristol if we lose the wide network of safer speed limits we were lucky enough to establish when 20mph was first introduced.”
The council has stipulated that any change in speed limit will need to be supported by evidence, including public opinion and speed data, and would be subject to a formal statutory consultation before implementation.
Zoe Trinder-Widdess and her daughter Greta with the sign they designed
The consultation closing date is August 31. To have your say, visit: www.bristol.citizenspace.com/city-development/20mph-limits-review/
Read more: Bristol’s 20mph zones have saved more than four lives in the last year alone
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