The national urban speed limit has been set at 30 mph since the Road Traffic Act 1934. More recently, though, we’ve seen a number of towns and cities adopting 20 mph as the limit – at first in designated areas, then more widely throughout whole cities, like Bristol. What has driven this trend?
Quite simply, the roads today carry far more traffic than they used to 90 years ago. At the same time, there are more pedestrians and cyclists using the same spaces, too. The momentum behind these 20 mph areas is simply driven by safety.
Not only that, but importantly, the roads feel safer to those most vulnerable.
In Bridgwater, we have 20 mph speed restrictions in place around many schools, for the safety of our children, and in many other places, too – close to BCA and the shops on Parkway, and throughout the entire Wilstock estate, for example. The majority of us are happy to sacrifice a little speed for the sake of safety.
According to the Department for Transport, “20mph limits are supported by the majority of residents and drivers.”
Isn’t it time we embrace 20 mph throughout Bridgwater town centre?
As a matter of fact, the plans for the Celebration Mile do just that – Eastover, Salmon Parade, East Quay and the Town Bridge, as well as Northgate, are all set to change to 20 mph zones. Naturally, BACC welcomes these changes.
But what are your views? We’d love to hear from you. Are there any areas around town which are in need of 20 mph treatment? Maybe there’s a school that’s currently in a 30 mph zone? Get in touch with us via our contact page or on Facebook.