Bath & North East Somerset council has begun the deployment of 20mph speed limits to around six miles of roads outside of the centre of Bath that mainly carry through traffic.
The council said the new limits are part of an ongoing effort by to improve air quality, reduce the risk of 'accidents' and encourage more walking, wheeling and cycling by making its roads safer for pedestrians and follow a consultation in line with the Government’s Gear Change plan.
Bathwick Hill looking towards the roundabout junction with the A36
Manda Rigby, cabinet member for transport said: ‘Keeping our highways as safe as possible for everyone is a priority for us and reducing vehicle speeds on these roads will help with that.
‘We want these new speed limits to encourage more walking, wheeling and cycling as part of our Journey to Net Zero ambitions. Many of us are familiar with 20mph limits, which have been introduced in built up areas in towns and cities across the country and bring benefits to residents living in those areas.’
The council is currently introducing 20mph speed limits at London Road, The Paragon, Cleveland Place, Bathwick Street, Sydney Place, Darlington Street, Beckford Road, North Road, Bathwick Hill, Widcombe Hill, Copseland, Prior Park, and Ralph Allen Drive.
Beckford Road (A36) will also see a separated cycle lane, improved crossings and junctions as part of ongoing Active Travel improvement works.
Officials said this is the first time 20mph speed limits have been used on busier roads outside of the city centre that predominantly carry through traffic.
In total the changes affect around six miles of highway, with approximately 140 new signs being installed.
In July the council admitted that although its Clean Air Zone, which exempts private cars from charging, had seen an overall reduction in recorded levels of toxic NO2 across the city in 2021, three sites within the zone continued to exceed legal limits.
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