Portsmouth has taken one step closer to becoming the first city in Britain to have a 20mph speed limit on almost all residential streets.
Subject to formal council approval, signs will be going up in the southeast of the city early next year, with other areas to be covered by the end of 2008.
Residents in affected areas will be consulted on the scheme, but the council claims many locals have already supported the plan at public meetings. Surveys will be carried out before the revised speed limits are introduced, and at six and 12-monthly intervals, to measure the scheme’s impact and success.
The council proposes the 20mph limit for roads where the average speed is already 24mph or less, with plans to install prominent signs as well as ‘repeater signs’ as reminders. This method, the council claims, reduces speeds by 3-4mph. Road humps are not included, but if the signs are not effective, the council will consult with residents to see if they want more measures.
Councillor Alex Bentley said the aim was to target the small number of drivers who drove at inappropriate speeds, without respect for road safety or other people.
‘I’m sure [the scheme] could save lives, particularly those of children and elderly people, and get more people cycling,’ he added. ‘We believe the scheme will be mainly self-policing. If the new limit isn’t respected on some roads, we will look at other measures or get police involved.’
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