One of UK’s largest cities to consider implementing 20mph blanket speed limits – ‘Reduce harmful emissions’
A major city is set to discuss plans for introducing 20mph speed limits across large parts of the region, in a drastic bid to improve road safety.
The proposals from Birmingham City Council come after it declared a road safety emergency in July prompted by concerns over serious and fatal collisions on the city’s road network.
Now, Councillor Majid Mahmood has written to the Government requesting permission for a 20mph zone covering the whole of Birmingham to help tackle to number of road accidents.
The initiative forms part of a wider review by the council to lower speed limits across the city, which also includes plans to reduce existing 40mph limits to 30mph.
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Officials explained that the changes aim to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on Birmingham’s roads while also promoting more sustainable travel options.
In the letter to the Government, Mahmood explained that slower speed limits on appropriate roads would reduce collisions and save lives.
The letter stated: “For this reason, our Birmingham Transport Plan sets out that 20mph should be the speed limit in residential areas and where footfall is high.
“Additionally, slower speeds are less intimidating towards those who walk or cycle – activities that we need to encourage more of if we are to reduce the number of harmful emissions and traffic levels in the city.”
However he did note that certain roads would remain unaffected by the changes while the reduced speeds could encourage more walking and cycling in the city.
The proposals also align with the council’s broader transport strategy to create safer streets for all residents. Approximately one-third of Birmingham’s roads currently operate under a 20mph speed limit, according to council officials with the changes building on the existing lower limits.
The proposed expansion would extend the lower speed limits to additional roads where deemed appropriate by the council.
Councillor David Barker, who chaired the inquiry into road safety, said: “Now is the time to follow words with actions and demonstrate to the residents of Birmingham how this council will make changes to deliver safer streets and roads for all of us.”
However, any changes to speed limits must first undergo a formal consultation process, which is currently underway for various areas of the city.
The council said it plans to implement necessary changes, mainly involving signage adjustments, in early 2025 which could come into effect as early as January. The council’s plans draw inspiration from similar schemes implemented elsewhere, but officials noted how the 20mph zone across Wales could lead to potential cost implications for Birmingham.
The funding for speed limit changes will come from Clean Air Zone surplus income, which is ring fenced for transport schemes only.
Residents and businesses can submit their views through online surveys, email, or post until December 10 on the proposed lower speed limits.
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Implementation plans will be presented at the full council meeting later today where councillors will examine a total of 16 recommendations set out in the road safety report.
These recommendations include a requirement for the council to provide detailed implementation plans on the lower speeds to the Sustainability and Transport Overview and Scrutiny Committee.