COUNCILS are being given more flexibility to create more 20mph zones.
The Department for Transport has just issued guidance it says will help councils implement more consistent speed limits and decide if 20mph zones are right for an area.
Stephen Hammond, Minister for Transport, said: “We want to see safe roads which meet the needs of everyone, so it is vital that councils have clear and consistent guidance to help them set appropriate speed limits on their roads.
“Local councils should set speed limits based on their local knowledge and on the views of the community.”
Almondbury, Honley and Meltham already have 20mph zones with monitoring studies of how they are working.
Almondbury’s Liberal Democrat councillor James Blanchard asked why a Kirklees report, due to released last July which signals the council’s next step for 20mph zones, has yet to be produced.
He questioned Cabinet members at last week’s full council after being told the report would be ready this month. Kirklees now say it is hoped the report will be ready in March.
Clr James Blanchard told the Examiner: “My question at full council was a follow-up to a follow-up. There was meant to have been a report on 20mph zones released six months ago but we’ve not heard anything of it.
“It’s a Lib Dem coalition government policy which Norman Baker has been working on.
“Like the one in Almondbury village centre, 20mph zones do have an impact on people living in the areas.
“The Almondbury one had a few teething problems because it was done as part of wider village centre improvements, but it’s working now and it has improved the village centre.
“The message on the doorstep has been very positive.
“I’d hate for there to be a serious accident while we’re waiting on what we do next.”
A Kirklees Council spokeswoman said the report will detail evidence of how 20mph zones in Kirklees are working and evidence of nationwide trials.
Clr Cathy Scott, Cabinet member for Streetscene, added: “Kirklees has for many years targeted projects that offer the greatest benefit to cutting the numbers and severity of collisions and also reducing risk to vulnerable road users.
“Between 2006 and 2008 the yearly casualty average figures for Kirklees were 211 people killed or seriously injured and 1,673 people slightly injured.
“In 2011 this figure was down to 160 killed or seriously injured and 1,301 slight injuries.
“Although full data analysis is not yet completed, we do expect the final figures for 2012 to have decreased further, again reflecting on the targeted work we do and the support our partners give us.”
The council spokeswoman added: “20mph zones with physical measures to restrict speeds such as that in Meltham tend to have a greater impact on reducing and managing vehicle speed and reducing traffic collisions and maintaining this reduction.
“The council will continue to use 20mph zones and limits amongst other highway safety measures where these offer benefits and Cabinet will decided on their future use.”
