We are carrying out a review of speed limits in the
district.
The Department for Transport (DfT) has asked every council in
the country to review the speed limits on all A and B roads.
The review aims to make sure there are appropriate speed limits
on the roads throughout North Somerset that will encourage road
users to travel at speeds which are suitable for the area. The
review means that recommendations are being made to lower
speed limits in some areas but to raise them elsewhere, in line
with guidelines given to councils by the DfT.
The review is being carried out nationwide and initially we are
only asking for comments on the speed limits on the A370 - road
users may have already spotted the yellow signs put up on street
furniture inviting comments.
Executive member for highways, Cllr Elfan Ap Rees, said: "The
aim is to maintain safety on our roads but to make sure speed
limits are consistent and appropriate. We don't set speed limits in
isolation, they are considered as part of the bigger picture in
relation to the whole area and the road they are on and the view is
that drivers are far more likely to respect sensible limits that
are understandable and rational."
Cllr Ap Rees added: "We are keen to encourage motorists using
the roads, as well as others, to respond to the consultation and,
although the council is only asking for feedback on the proposed
limits on the A370 at the moment, if people want to comment on
proposals on other roads, then register for this consultation and
you will get an email when the council is asking for feedback on
other roads. You will also need to register to give your feedback
online, so you receive email updates."
Details of how to register your comments can be found
here. There is
access to an interactive map where you can use the check boxes to
turn on and off the speed limits on the roads now, and see what the
proposals are.
If you need help responding, or need any of the information in
an alternative format, you can contact
David Bailey by
email, telephone 01934 426 279, or write to David Bailey, Senior
Engineer, Highways and Transport, North Somerset Council, Somerset
House, Oxford Street, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1TG.
The consultation period for the A370 runs until 5pm on 10
September. The consultation details for the other A roads will be
added in due course, and then the consultation process for the B
roads will begin.
