On 22 February 2010, Wirral Council Cabinet approved a comprehensive new policy of 20 mph on non-major routes in all residential areas. The Minutes (page 6) read:
"Speed is the key factor in reducing both the number and severity of road traffic accidents. Following the success of the Accidents Down 2 Zero campaign, which has reduced average traffic speeds in the trial areas, the budget provides for a comprehensive new policy to introduce a statutory speed limit of 20 mph on non major routes in all residential areas and for variable speed signs for schools on major routes."
The sum of £1.1m was allocated over 4 years, with £275,000 allocated for 2010/2011. The Minutes (page 11) read:
"COMPREHENSIVE 20MPH ZONES IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS
"The revenue sum of £275,000 be allocated to a rolling four year £1.1m programme to reduce traffic speeds both in residential areas and outside schools, where there are higher numbers of vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists. Cabinet notes that reducing traffic speeds helps reduce the number of accidents, and their severity.
"This four year programme will phase in statutory 20mph speed restrictions in non major routes in residential areas across the borough. It will also implement (following the introduction of regulations from the Department of Transport) variable time specific 20mph speed signs to be used outside schools on through routes where casualties have occurred, with the signs in use at key times in the school day."
We are delighted at this announcement. We would like to see the introduction of 20 mph speed limits as fast as possible, but with adequate consultation of the Wirral communities. We are confident that a majority of residents will be in favour, and that once this is demonstrated, there will be good compliance by most drivers and appropriate enforcement by the police. There is also a need for discussion at a local level about precisely which roads will remain as 30 mph.