Council accused of ‘wasting’ £850k on 20mph zones
A COUNCIL has been slammed for spending more than £850,000 on 20mph zones dubbed a ‘waste of money’.
A meeting of Bolton town hall heard from Liberal Democrat leader Coun Roger Hayes, who insisted that assurances he had that the limits would be enforced had not happened.
He said the zones, which are based in built-up areas with longterm speeding problems, have been ignored by motorists and police.
“I believe in the principle of 20mph limits in residential areas. Where properly done they’re proven to save lives and reduce harmful emissions,” Coun Hayes told the meeting.
“We have spent a lot of money, at least £850,000 and probably nearer £1m. We paid for several areas in Smithills, out of our area forum budget, before there was a general roll-out. Before making this decision I twice asked the police and crime commissioner for assurances that there would be some enforcement and related publicity. I was assured that within the limits of police resources that would happen but it never has.
“As we found out later, even before these conversations and before the general roll-out, the police were following speed enforcement guidelines which meant no enforcement.
“The roll-out has signage but virtually no physical features and as a result it is not enforced and largely ignored. Does the executive cabinet member consider that the introduction of the widespread 20mph limits, which neither have the physical features nor are enforced by the police, was largely a waste of money?”
In response, executive cabinet member for transport, Coun Stuart Haslam, insisted that there had been some enforcement in 20mph zones.
He said: “It is therefore a surprise and a worry that a councillor should consider investment touching on road safety has been a waste of money. Anything that encourages drivers to behave responsible is a good thing and cannot be regarded as an irresponsible investment.”
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: “Traffic authorities are asked to keep their speed limits under review with changing circumstances and to consider introduction of 20mph zones and limits in urban areas which are largely residential to ensure greater safety for pedestrians and cyclists.”
Coun Haslam added: “This council takes road safety as one of its priorities and only last week the cabinet had in depth discussion at our request with GMP and raised our residents concerns about speeding.
“We discussed community speed watch and the possible purchase of hand held cameras to be used by PCSOs across the borough.”