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Death rate goes up despite lower speed limits, reports council

A review into new 20mph zones in Bath and North East Somerset found fatalities and serious accidents actually rose, but they’re here to stay

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Roads in Bath and North East Somerset have seen more deaths and serious accidents since 20mph limits were introduced, a study has found.

The council said just three of 13 areas where the speed limits were cut from 30mph saw a reduction in incidents.

In the 12 months since each zone was brought in the number of people killed or seriously injured has gone up in seven out of the 13 areas. Three areas saw no difference.

In total, the scheme cost the council £871,000.

But despite the new findings, the council says it won’t be reversing the changes – as it would cost too much money.

Deputy council leader Patrick Anketell-Jones said: “It has cost over £800,000 to roll out the 20mph zones and it would probably cost the same to reverse them. We just haven’t got the money.

“I’m pretty sure the 20mph zones will stay in place for the foreseeable future.”

The report also warned that the reduced speed zones may give a false sense of security.

It stated: “There is no simple explanation for this adverse trend but it could be that local people perceive the area to be safer due to the presence of the 20mph restrictions and thus are less diligent when walking and crossing roads, cycling or otherwise travelling.

“In some places drivers are not abiding by the 20mph speed restriction and, in fact, vehicle speeds exceed this by a large margin.”

— THINK! Road Safety (@THINKgovuk) December 5, 2017

This new report comes just a month after a nationwide review of 20mph limits was published by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).

However, its review noted that zones in which other traffic-calming measures were introduced alongside the reduction were much more effective.

In Bath and North East Somerset, the council brought in 20mph signs only.

The RoSPA report noted: “20mph limits without traffic calming also reduce traffic speed, although this effect is smaller than when they are introduced with traffic calming or other measures. Their lower cost means that wider areas can be covered.”

By Will Rimell

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