Speed Limit Review A & B Roads - FAQs
Have a question about the speed limit review? |
The Speed Limit Review is a large project that will impact on many people's lives. As a result we are currently receiving a high volume of enquiries. You will find the answers to many questions on our Speed Limit Review Frequently Asked Questions pages below:
What is the Speed Limit Review?
Speed Limit Review and Speed Cameras
Speed Limit Review Policy
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What is the Speed Limit Review?
1. Why have some speed limits been lowered?
A new Speed Management Strategy has been developed by the County Council. The Strategy covers the three key areas of Education, Engineering and Enforcement. An important aspect of this strategy is the setting of speed limits.
In 2006 the Department for Transport (DfT) issued Circular 1/2006 ‘Setting Local Speed Limits’ which now forms part of the Speed Management. As a result, all existing speed limits on A and B roads have been reviewed in Warwickshire.
2. What type of roads have been changed?
All A and B class roads (not trunk roads or villages) have been assessed in Warwickshire.
3. Have the public been properly consulted?
Yes, there have been a number of different stages of both informal and formal consultation. The initial technical review was publicised on both our Website and throughout the media. Key community representatives were also informed such as Parish Councils and County Councillors. As a result we received a high volume of feedback which demonstrated that the public were well informed of the speed limit proposals. This feedback was presented to County Councillors at a number a of seminars. Each Area Committee agreed the speed limit changes and as a result over 120 changes were implemented. All changes went through a statutory consultation stage, which included advertising and coverage in the local press and radio. Yellow notices were also posted along the routes. Internet sites were set up and leaflets produced. However, ensuring everyone is made aware of speed limit changes will always be a challenge, we have therefore made every effort to ensure the public have been properly consulted.
4. Why have side roads not been included when much larger/faster roads have had their speed limit lowered?
In many cases road users will be able to observe de-restricted signs which have been installed at the entrance to side roads off A and B roads, and it could be argued that these roads should have a lower speed limit as well. However, the review only covers A and B class roads, and therefore it has been legally necessary to install de-restricted signs on the gateways to side roads – this does not mean that the speed limit has been increased on these roads.
5. Who made the final decision on setting these speed limits?
Each Area Committee approved the speed limit changes made in their area.
6. Were accident rates taken into account in these assessments?
Accident data has always been made available through the technical review and consultation process, however it is not a key element of the review. Where accident rates are high, this will have been raised through the local community and addressed through our initial consultation phase.
7. Where can I find the Council assessment which led to these speed limit changes?
All assessments are available to view at the Council Offices in Warwick, however we would be happy to send out assessments for individual routes.
8. Will you be assessing other types of road?
At the present time, there are no plans to assess other roads such as C class roads, however this may be a possibility in the future. Speed limits can still be reduced through other County Council schemes.
9. Will you be monitoring the effectiveness of the new speed limits?
Yes, all routes will be monitored and any works associated with the speed limit changes will be checked to ensure for example that there are no missing signs.
10. Are other Counties undertaking similar reviews?
Warwickshire is one of the first County’s in England and Wales to undertake the review - others will follow.
11. Will there be signs advising of new limits?
Yes, all routes with new speed limits will have a sign alerting drivers to a new speed limit. We are aware that in some areas, there are currently no signs, however we will address this as soon as we can.
12. I don’t think there are enough speed limit signs – will this be checked?
Yes, the County Council will check every route to ensure that a sufficient amount of signs have been installed.
13. How long will the works take?
The implementation of speed limit changes should be completed by April 2009. Other associated engineering works will be completed throughout the 2009/10 financial year.
14. Why have some A and B roads been reduced and others not?
We are implementing over 120 speed limit changes, and many A and B roads will be affected. There could be a number of reasons why individual routes have been left unaltered, but mainly because existing traffic speeds demonstrated that a new limit would be unrealistic without additional engineering measures. Some may question why certain roads have been lowered, it may be due to there being a very strong local feeling that traffic should be driving slower through a community (for example, if there have been a number of accidents) and this has been expressed through consultation and seminars.
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Speed Limit Review and Speed Cameras
15. Surely, this is about revenue raising through speed cameras?
No, the Council is simply following DfT guidance on setting speed limits. New speed limits have been reduced in line with the existing average traffic speeds recorded on the highway. For example, if our surveys showed that the majority of drivers were travelling at 48mph, then a 50mph may be more appropriate instead of a de-restricted one.
16. Does this mean that I can now get caught speeding on a new speed limit?
As soon as a Traffic Regulation Order is in place and the signs installed, then a road can be enforced. However, to allow road users to adjust to the new speed limits, there will be a short bedding in period before those roads changed, will be enforced at the new limit. However, enforcement could happen at any time.
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Speed Limit Review Policy
17. Is this a Government initiative or County Council?
This is a Government recommended assessment, which has been implemented through the County Council’s Speed Management Strategy.
18. Where can I obtain Government policy Circular 01/2006?
The easiest way is by visiting our website: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/speedlimitreview
Alternatively, we can send you a copy.
19. Where can I obtain County Council Policy on setting speed limits?
The easiest way is by visiting our website: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/speedlimitreview
Alternatively, we can send you a copy.
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