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by Lib Dem team on 15 March, 2012
Following concerns raised by local people, Keith Holloway consulted residents in Lorna Grove and Dingle Grove on having a 20mph zone for the roads.
Keith’s survey suggested residents were strongly in favour so we asked the Council to kick off the formal process. In the Council consultation, more than 90% of residents who expressed a view said that they favoured a 20mph zone on the two roads.
The evidence we have is that 20mph zones do work in reducing the average speed of drivers by a few miles per hour. That might not sound like a lot but, if there’s an accident, it can make the difference between someone receiving a minor injury and them being very seriously injured – or worse.
The scheme will now come to the Cheadle Area Committee in May for approval.
7 Comments
Common sense should indicate a safe maximum speed of 20 mph on residential side-roads. However, common sense seems a rare attribute, especially in car drivers. I write from experience of being tail-gated frequently and occasionally overtaken when driving on the Queens Road/Demmings Road route. Speed limits without enforcement are usually ignored.
Hi Trevor,
The evidence we have on 20mph zones from across the country is quite good, so we do know that whilst it doesn’t lead to everyone driving at under 20mph, it does reduce average speeds and reduce both accidents and the severity of accidents.
Iain, does your evidence confirm the increase in pollution or the additional wear and tear on vehicle suspensions and tyres? its there, but never published. older cars run by lower income households will suffer. in my experience – and i did the school run along St Anns Road North for many years – when people are in a rush they will ‘bounce’ over the bumps at 25 – 30 mph. i think chicanes work better, but again, will increase pollution.
Hi Robert,
We’re not proposing physical traffic calming in this case – just a change to the speed limit. The evidence is on that basis.
A positive result.Thank you for your help.
RE: 20mph on Lorna/Dingle. The \knee jerk\ reaction by some residents to one recent incident prompted the whole matter of traffic calming, but as traffic never did go more than 20mph anyway (no room thanks to parked cars either side), the formal application of 20mph is going to have a minimium impact.
What happened to the comments by several residents that it would be better to have a one way system round Lorna and Dingle. I would appreciate comments please.
Hi Harry,
There were a small number of residents suggesting a one-way system, which is possible. I can imagine it would suit some residents far better than others. For example, if you lived on Dingle or Lorna near Altrincham Road, your route either home or out would involve a longer drive.
It is a possibility, and it’s something I would want to look at once the 20mph zone is in place.