We the undersigned would like the council to initiate a 20mph zone in the centre of Widcombe.

Why? 

Widcombe is a central artery through which over 1000 children pass each day on their way to and from the 9 schools in the area.  It is a highly residential area that suffers from intense traffic often exceeding the speed limit. 

There have already been 2 deaths in the area due to speeding traffic and a school crossing has been hit by cars 5 times in the last 3 years. 

Detailed research has shown that 20mph speed zones have cut road injuries by over 40% in London.  At 20mph, it is estimated only one in 40 pedestrians is killed in a crash. This compares with a one in five chance for someone hit at 30mph.

It’s Already Been Done Elsewhere 

Portsmouth have made their entire city a 20mph zone at a cost of around £2.5k a mile.  They have shown that it is feasible to implement this and at a reasonable cost.  Bristol City Council has just approved plans for a 20mph zone in South Bristol, with one for East Bristol to follow.

It’s Government Policy 

20mph zones are now a core part of government policy:  "Our road safety strategy consultation recommends that local authorities introduce, over time, 20mph zones or limits into streets around schools, and which are primarily residential in nature, to protect pedestrians and cyclists…. This will save lives and make people feel more secure in walking and cycling on those streets."               Spokesman for the Department of Transport

BANES supports the national "Slower Speeds Initiative" which is committed to researching and promoting means of controlling traffic speeds more effectively.

It Makes Sense

There is no difference for the police in enforcing a 20mph speed limit versus a 30mph limit.

Given the overall low speeds on the lower Bristol road, reducing the speed on traffic in the area is likely to improve traffic flow overall.

We are requesting that specific roads or parts of roads be included in the scheme and so are not suggesting the “blanket” application of a 20 zone.