In Wiltshire, to help improve road safety in rural areas, Experimental 20 mph limits have recently been installed. The new limits are in force in the villages of Westwood, Limpley Stoke, Biddestone and Great Cheverell with Great Bedwyn to follow shortly. If more could be put in place in the future, the changes prove to be successful.
Alongside indications that the government is looking to make changes to its 20mph limit policy, The move follows similar trials by other local authorities including Portsmouth and Hull City Council. This could encourage local authorities to adopt a more flexible approach to speed limits based on local circumstances, casualty reduction and wider community benefits.
for the majority of new housing developments, traffic-calmed 20mph zones are already in place in Wiltshire but the effectiveness of sign-only 20mph limits is less known.
“We collected extensive data prior to the introduction of the experimental 20mph limits and will be closely monitoring their effectiveness over the next 12 months. We will be using the results of the pilot schemes to help us formulate future guidance on the use of 20mph sign-only limits in Wiltshire,” said Martin Rose, principal highway engineer.
Lynda Wearn, chair of Cheverell Magna parish council, said: “This is in part the result of our own campaign to reduce speeding and improve safety, but also the result of wholehearted support from Wiltshire Council”.
The trial will run for a maximum of 18 months.