Some disappointing news from the County Council for those of us who have been trying to introduce 20 MPH roundels on residential roads. The latest advice is as follows:

In general we only use enhanced signing, such as the 20mph road markings, to highlight areas with particular issues. Typically these would be where there was a bad accident record, high pedestrian movements or other significant hazards other than a simple non compliance with the speed limit, which would be a matter for the police to enforce. Consequently we have to be careful not to make these markings too commonplace otherwise they simply become part of the everyday street-scene, loose their impact and cease to be effective.

In early 2013 we received a number of requests for 20mph markings at various locations around the City. Before taking a decision on any widespread implementation we felt it necessary to trial the markings at two locations. Wharton Road we selected as one of these since we had received concerns about “rat running” and its close proximity to the two nearby primary schools. The result of the trial was that the 20mph markings had a very marginal effect on speeds at both locations. Consequently, as these do not seem particularly cost effective, we do not propose to provide any more at present.

Even though these roundels cost only around £75 to put in, and money can be identified for this, their introduction is blocked by the County Council, and we share residents’ frustration. We are continuing to fight for this policy to be reviewed at County Hall.