20mph limit welcomed by Greens
Written by Pete Goodwin Tuesday, 13 January 2009
Green Party members in Bristol are today welcoming the news that - at last - there are plans to set a 20mph speed limit in residential streets in two pilot areas of the city. The proposal, leaked from Cycling City, suggests that zones around Easton and Southville could be test areas for the scheme, before it is adopted throughout Bristol.
"We've been calling for this for years, with our backing for the 'twenty is plenty'[1] campaign" says mother-of-two Daniella Radice, the Greens candidate for the Ashley ward. "It will make local roads much safer for children, cyclists, and for the motorists themselves."
Councillor Charlie Bolton added:
"Other towns[2], especially those with Green councillors, are already introducing 20mph zones. Residents like them, the streets become friendlier, and accident rates drop. I'm especially pleased that my own ward has been nominated for this trial, and I'd like to see it spread quickly across Bristol."
But Katie Buse, who will stand in the Easton ward in the next elections, sounded a cautionary note. "It's a pity that more of the through roads haven't been included - keeping the 30mph limit on roads like Ashley Hill, Easton Road, and Dean Lane in Southville will confuse everyone and it won't cut journey times by more than a few seconds. Still, it's good to see Bristol catching up!"
Notes
- Twenty is Plenty - www.20splentyforus.org.uk
- eg city-wide schemes in Leicester and Norwich. See www.greenparty.org.uk/mediacentre/releases/2008-10-03-20mph.html
Contact
Charlie Bolton 0117 966 1639
Daniella Radice 0117 952 5796
Katie Buse 0117 955 6680