20mph zones put in slower than needed

I WAS pleased to read that the 20mph area has been extended in Leicester.

There is evidence to support the case that speed limits save lives; reduce severity of injuries from any car accidents; make streets more inviting and safer for people to choose healthier travel options and reduce air pollution.

It seems extraordinary that the council didn’t introduce 20mph limits across all residential areas eight years ago, as promised by the Greens.

This piecemeal introduction has been more expensive, more confusing for drivers, and far slower than we needed.

What is even more worrying is the fact that enforcement of the speed limit doesn’t seem to be a priority for the council or police service, despite this being a huge issue on the doorstep.

Last time I asked for rates and numbers of speeding tickets, the council seemed to suggest this wasn’t possible or allowed, and that areas were “self enforcing”. Really?!

Yet it’s stated by government: If a zone is introduced without a traffic order (a legal document issued by the relevant highways authority) then the speed limit applicable will be 30mph.”

I have asked the council and the police and crime commissioner to confirm if all areas are covered by traffic orders, when, how many speeding tickets and rates across each ward for this year and last year.

Without enforcement, 20mph limit rates are just a gimmick.

For example, when door-knocking in Saffron ward, I frequently saw cars, driven at great speed and a hazard to pedestrians, in residential areas, yet there were no visible signs of enforcement and no speeding cameras.

Please, can the mayor and the city council please see this as a priority and enforce the law?

And please tell us what the enforcement rates are?

If these are low, what is the city council doing with the police and crime commissioner to rectify?

Mags Lewis, Disability spokesperson for the Green Party