Agenda item

Report of the Director of the Built Environment.

The Group received a report from the Director of the Built Environment updating them on the outcome of the 20mph speed limit scheme. The Group noted that casualty numbers have increased 9% in the two years pre implementation and two years post implementation. The number of people employed in the City broadly increase by 5% each year with the majority being pedestrians and cyclists which would suggest these numbers are actually falling in real terms.

Crucially, KSI numbers in the same period have decreased from 120 to 94, a

reduction of 22%. This provides evidence that the streets in the City have become

safer for users since the implementation of the City’s 20mph scheme.

The small increase in total casualties over the period studied is accounted by an

increase in slight injuries (An injury of a minor character such as a sprain, cut or

bruise). The reduction in the severity of injury is one of the objectives of the Road

Danger Reduction plan is in-line with expected outcomes resulting from slower

moving traffic.

Awareness of the speed limit is also high with drivers, although the low awareness of motor cyclists is something that should be addressed in light of the danger posed to them and by them to other road users. The City will update this note once the in depth collision data has been assessed. In addition to this work, further study and monitoring is recommended, initial results show substantial benefits from the scheme to the safety of the City community and in particular vulnerable road users.

Officers agreed to submit any update reports regarding the scheme to this Group when they were due to be considered by the Planning and Transportation Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.