The Liberal Democrats in Bath have been calling on Bath to follow the lead of Portsmouth for some months now. The Conservative Cabinet member has largely batted of the requests. However now a delegation is going to Portsmouth to see for themselves just what impact it has made.

In Bath we are sure slower speeds will improve road manners and reduce accidents. Now Bristol’s new Liberal emocrat Cabinet is already moving ahead with some large pilots.

Subject: Press release, Bristol Lib Dems – 20MPH ZONE TRIALS

Speed limits of 20mph are set to be piloted in Bristol by the Liberal Democrat city council.
Two areas of the city Ashley/Easton/Lawrence Hill/Eastville/St George West and Southville/Bedminster/Windmill Hill  are being Proposed for trials.

Major roads running through these areas, such as the M32 and Stapleton Road, in Easton, and North Street, in Southville, would be exempt. The 20mph limits will not involve the introduction of any physical
traffic-calming measures, such as speed humps or chicanes.

Executive member for transport and sustainability Jon Rogers said: “The primary aim is to make walking and cycling in these communities safer and more attractive to more people. Reducing the speed limit to 20mph should also help to reduce the number of road accidents. We will be monitoring the success of the two pilot areas and listening to comments before we look at whether they could be extended to other parts of the city. We are not expecting the schemes to cause any significant delays to drivers.
Ends

The last sentence says it all from the drivers point of view. Slower speeds in cities do not mean increased journey times during the working day.