20mph speed limits outside schools

There are large numbers of vulnerable young people outside schools at start and finish times. Where it is feasible to do so, we aim to introduce 20mph speed limits outside schools.

Research has found clear evidence that decreased traffic speeds reduce collisions and casualties. Collisions happen less often and when they do happen there is less risk of fatal injury.

20mph speed limits introduced elsewhere across the UK have provided additional benefits including health benefits through increased walking and cycling, as well as quality of life and community benefits.

Signs and traffic calming

Where the average speed is considered to be sufficiently low, 20mph limits have been introduced using signs only. There will not be any additional traffic calming measures (such as speed humps).

This is because national research and practice has shown that where the average speed is at or below 24mph, signs alone will be enough to ensure drivers comply with the new speed limit.

Additional traffic calming measures will only be considered where speeds remain significantly higher than 24mph 12 months after the introduction of the new speed limit.

For most locations advisory speed limits which make clear the association with a school will be effective in achieving appropriate speeds. Some locations however, may need a mandatory speed limit introducing with a Traffic Regulation Order.

Most schools are in residential areas so the introduction of a 20mph speed limit will have positive benefits for residents at all times of the day, weekends and during school holidays. Therefore we intend to introduce 24 hour speed limits outside schools on residential roads.

Variable speed limits will be introduced on main traffic distributor roads:

  • 20mph limits during school start and finish times, Monday to Friday during term-time only
  • 30mph (or appropriate) at all other times.

We are currently working with the police to develop appropriate strategies for enforcement of mandatory 20mph speed limits.

Schemes to be delivered during 2017/18

Ashfield

Broxtowe

Mansfield

  • Queen Elizabeth Endowed Academy

Newark and Sherwood

Rushcliffe

What to do if you oppose the scheme

Once the extent of the scheme has been determined, information leaflets will be sent to residents living immediately adjacent to the proposed scheme areas.

Written comments can be sent directly by email to highway.programme@nottscc.gov.uk or posted to:

TBH - Programme Manager
Nottinghamshire County Council
County Hall
Loughborough Road
West Bridgford
NG2 7QP

Unfortunately, due to the number of responses it is not always possible to respond individually to all replies. All comments will however, be carefully noted.

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