Agenda item

Councillor Brown introduced the Motion and highlighted the following key points:

·       The majority of Parish and Town Councils across the County and Forest of Dean and Cotswold District Councils were in support of the Motion.

·       It was part of an international campaign - 20mph (30km/h) was becoming the recognised standard for residential areas.

·       Safety was the primary reason for implementation.

·       Important for quality of life as people should feel safe.

·       Evidence on the effect on pollution was mixed however it was explained that studies showed that acceleration caused more emissions.

Councillor Layfield brought Members attention to some of the benefits to road users:

·       People would feel safer and more able to cross the road.

·       Cyclists would be able to maintain pace with traffic.

·       According to a 2018 report produced by Transport for London: "In 20mph zones vehicles moved more smoothly with fewer accelerations and decelerations. This driving style produced fewer particulate emissions."

·       Road noise would be considerably reduced.

·       Lower speeds reduced the number and severity of road injuries.

Councillor Hynd stated that there had been a real world study carried out in Bristol between 2014 and 2018 and the University of the West of England had published results of the study. The results showed that it had caused a 2.7mph average drop in speed limits, 170 less serious injuries recorded every year, a saving to the local economy of £15m and 45 deaths per year had been prevented.

Councillor Turner stated that approving the Motion would bring the council in line with the direction of travel of many of our neighbouring counties. They also drew on their experiences of spending time in London and stated that where the 20mph zones had been introduced it had been transformative.

Councillor Studdert-Kennedy advised that this needed to apply to cyclists as well as vehicles.

Councillor Edmunds stated that his ward had 20mph limits put in place however it had been a long process and that he therefore supported the motion.

Councillor Cornell confirmed that they would be supporting it and that she had been made aware recently of the issues involved with speed limits following concerns raised by Parish Councillors.

Councillor Housden stated that the motion had been discussed at the County Council in June 2021 and that he would be opposing the motion due to the following reasons:

·       There was no evidence that a blanket change was the answer and that a combination of changes were needed to deal with speeding.

·       £550k was being invested in a county wide community speed watch safety fund which would be available in the coming weeks.

·       Part of the County Councils road safety policy would include the development of 20mph zones but also included education.

Councillor Patrick stated when she had previously walked in areas with 20mph limits, the cars were present for longer and therefore she found that she breathed in fumes for longer.

Councillor Braun stated that everyone has the right to a safer street and that it was a good time to discuss the motion as the County Council were currently reviewing their policies and would be consulting with the District Council.

On being put to the vote the Motion was carried with 25 votes in favour, 7 against and 5 abstentions.