Y Bont: 2006: July/August: Traffic Speed

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2006 July/August

DOES CARROG NEED A 20 MPH SPEED LIMIT?

Anyone who regularly uses the road through Carrog as a pedestrian will certainly be aware that the speed of vehicles using the roadway is quite unsuitable for a Village where the carriageway is barely wider than a single track road, gateways emerge directly onto the roadway and more importantly where children play and regularly walk.

The Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions guidelines on the implementation of 20 mph speed limits states:

‘Their use has been concentrated mainly in residential areas as a method of improving the UK child pedestrian safety record. Most child pedestrian accidents occur near home. 20 mph zones are best suited to street-lit residential roads where vulnerable road users are likely to be found in greater numbers.

On some of these roads a 30 mph limit may be considered too fast because of the greater risk to pedestrians and cyclists, especially children. 20 mph zones may also be particularly appropriate around schools and other sites where children are to be found in large numbers. Zones can protect children walking or cycling to school and encourage others to do so. As well as children, adults walking and cycling in residential areas can benefit from the introduction of 20 mph zones where traffic speed is a danger. Research has shown that pedestrians struck by a vehicle travelling at 20 mph have a far greater chance of surviving than if struck by a vehicle travelling at 30 or 40 mph. Surveys of vehicle speeds show quite clearly that most drivers regularly exceed the 30 mph speed limit.’

The Westminster Government has since restated its support for such speed limits around schools and where children play and children and others are regularly pedestrians.

Many communities are seeking 20 mph speed limits as their roads have become ‘rat runs’ for motorists seeking to avoid congestion or to simply find a shorter route such as from the Ruthin and Chester Roads to the A5.

It is true that in recent years we are aware of only one accident, which occurred in 2001 outside Bryn Afon, but the steady increase in volume and speed of traffic means serious thought should given before another accident occurs.

Let us have your views.