Norwich streets set for 20mph speed limit

12.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Sat 24th May 2008

20mph

The Liberal Democrats have welcomed the decision by the Norwich Highways Agency Committee to introduce a 20mph speed limit to residential roads in Norwich. It is the culmination of a two year campaign by the party to get the limits introduced.

The decision was made despite a report to the committee which recommended against changing current schemes, a decision which would have halted the introduction of 20mph residential roads in the city.

Simon Wright, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesman for Norwich South, wrote to all committee members at the beginning of the week, urging members to reject the recommendations and instead support a 20mph blanket limit in residential areas. Mr Wright welcomed the decision by the Committee:

"20mph zones have overwhelming support from members of the public. People want their local councils to do all they can to cut deaths and injuries on our roads. This decision is a big step towards achieving that.

"I'm very pleased that the committee has rejected the recommendations put to them, and instead is supporting 20mph limits in residential areas. This is a really important step forward to improve road safety in Norwich, and will put the city alongside other areas leading the way such as Portsmouth."

The £300,000 scheme approved will be only the third of its kind in the country, and follows similar schemes in Portsmouth and Aberdeen.

Reducing the speed limit around homes from 30mph will help cut the number of crashes, encourage cycling, cut pollution, and create a greater sense of community disapproval towards speeders.

Previously, 20mph limits have only been introduced in areas where the casualty rates were high which angered many who lived on roads with fast moving traffic.

A survey conducted by the Liberal Democrats in Norwich during April found that of 817 participants, 670 (82%) supported 'the introduction of a 20mph speed limit on residential side streets and around our schools'. Only 11% opposed their introduction, with 7% unsure.

Following this decision, officers will report back to councillors with full plans for the introduction of 20mph limits in residential areas in Norwich.