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Richmond upon Thames Liberal Democrats:Covering the constituencies of Twickenham and Richmond Park |
New Cabinet Member in a muddle on 20 mph schemes
July 23, 2011 1:47 PM
• [Jul 22] RICHMOND Council's new Tory transport Cabinet Member Cllr Chris Harrison is guilty of misleading the Council with an incorrect answer to a formal written question from a councillor (attached) on what is required to bring in 20 mph limits on residential roads.
Cllr Harrison was asked what obstacles stood in the way of the council installing new 20 mph zones where residents want them and replied that such schemes had to involve traffic calming measures such as speed humps.
Cllr Stephen Knight, Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Richmond Council, said:
"The position is quite clear - where most drivers already keep below 24 mph, 20 mph limits can be brought in without physical traffic calming measures, such as humps. Cllr Harrison is wrong to suggest otherwise. Other councils have successfully installed such zones on this basis so why can't Richmond? Unfortunately it appears that he and the Tory Council are uninterested in improving pedestrian safety."
From Scrutiny Report on 20 mph zones and limits
Question asked by Cllr Elloy & answered by Cllr Harrison:
• Member Question No. 5j: "Given the recent announcement by the Government that it intends to make the introduction of 20 mph schemes simpler and cheaper, what further obstacles exist to prevent the administration from carrying out the wishes of residents and the recommendations made by the cross party Working Group on 20 mph zones and limits?"
• Response: "The Council welcomes the Governments approach to relaxing the regulations to introduce 20mph limits. You are no doubt aware that neither 20mph zones nor limits are enforced by the Metropolitan Police and that they will only support such schemes that are self enforcing e.g. speed humps etc.
The only other enforcement option open is to deploy static time -distance cameras. These cameras are not supported by all because of their (potential) impact on street-scene and invasion of privacy.
The Council is committed to reducing speed limits in residential streets and is looking into less intrusive ways - changing streetscape and partnership with neighbourhood police etc - to improve road safety, amenity and the environment in the Borough."
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