Cut Speed Limits and Save Lives (Leeds Liberal Democrats)

Leeds Liberal Democrats <info@leedslibdems.org.uk>

Cut Speed Limits and Save Lives

December 23, 2009 12:00 AM

Leeds City Council's Liberal Democrat Group have welcomed government plans to make it easier for Councils to introduce 20mph speed limits.

The Department of Transport has published a new consultation document on revising speed limits building on a number of recent suggestions and initiatives. The Lib Dem Group has particularly welcomed the findings regarding an area wide 20 mph zone in Portsmouth, which has led to average speed reductions of 7 mph. They say if such a result could be obtained in danger areas across Leeds this would produce a major reduction in accidents and make roads safer for all.

Cllr Richard Brett, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group and Joint Leader of Leeds City Council, said:

"I welcome this government consultation. Our experience is that while 20 mph zones are very much welcomed by local residents the costs of installing thorough traffic calming measures means we have only been able to provide them across a small part of the city. Introducing 20 mph speed limits without having to create zones would be a much faster process."

Cllr Richard Harker (Lib Dem, Moortown), Executive Board Member for Learning added :

"The ability to easily introduce 20mph speed limits would be very welcome, and is much needed. Too many children are injured on our roads every year, sadly some fatally, particularly on their way to and from school.

"While I welcome this consultation the government needs to provide the resources to allow rapid implementation of plans once they have been agreed with local communities."