To be moved by Councillor Debbie Davies

Seconded by Councillor Rebecca Poulsen

Council notes:

• Last year, Manchester City Council scrapped plans to expand their 20mph speed limit zones, after finding that it reduced speeds by an average of just 0.7mph, with speeds actually increasing on some streets due to overtaking etc

• Such schemes reduce the speeds of drivers who are responsible, but have no effect on those who are not, including those in stolen cars, under the influence, or in cars bearing false number plates etc.

• This week the T&A asked ‘Would you welcome the introduction of 20mph zones?” to which the answer was yes 42%, no 58% - clearly not a scientific study but it gives an indication of what people think.

Council resolves to:

Scrap plans for the introduction of a City Centre 20mph zone and instead distributes the £120,000 estimated cost of introducing one, between the Council Wards, so that such speed limits can be introduced near schools or other appropriate sites.

Resolved –

Council notes:

·         20mph zones are a proven way of encouraging safer driving, reducing average road speeds and casualties and encouraging a better environment for pedestrians and cyclists when installed in appropriate locations

·         The initial proposals for the city centre and sites around schools are for areas where road layouts and/or the presence of existing traffic management measures will support a 20mph speed limit

·         City centre 20mph zones are increasingly common across the country including in Sheffield, Leeds, Brighton, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh and London

·         The University of the West of England has just completed a comprehensive study of 20mph zones in Bristol and found that average speeds reduce in 94% of streets, increased rates of walking and cycling and reduced fatalities and injuries generating cost savings of £15 million

·         The recent announcement that the Council would be consulting on a city centre 20mph zone in addition to a programme of 20mph zones around schools to be rolled out over time

Council resolves to:

Proceed to the consultation on the proposed 20mph zones and ask that the Executive receives a paper on the responses before a final decision is made.

ACTION:        Strategic Director Place

A motion was moved by Councillor Davies.

An amendment, as set out in the resolution below, moved by Councillor Ross-Shaw was carried.

Resolved –

Council notes:

·         20mph zones are a proven way of encouraging safer driving, reducing average road speeds and casualties and encouraging a better environment for pedestrians and cyclists when installed in appropriate locations

·         The initial proposals for the city centre and sites around schools are for areas where road layouts and/or the presence of existing traffic management measures will support a 20mph speed limit

·         City centre 20mph zones are increasingly common across the country including in Sheffield, Leeds, Brighton, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh and London

·         The University of the West of England has just completed a comprehensive study of 20mph zones in Bristol and found that average speeds reduce in 94% of streets, increased rates of walking and cycling and reduced fatalities and injuries generating cost savings of £15 million

·         The recent announcement that the Council would be consulting on a city centre 20mph zone in addition to a programme of 20mph zones around schools to be rolled out over time

Council resolves to:

Proceed to the consultation on the proposed 20mph zones and ask that the Executive receives a paper on the responses before a final decision is made.

ACTION:        Strategic Director Place