New speed limits call on driver safety
A host of new 20mph speed limits have started to come into effect across Calderdale this month as the council aims to make streets safer for the public.
As part of the ‘Love our Streets’ campaign, new speed limits will be installed in residential streets throughout the borough until 2017, with the target of cutting the number of serious collisions.
Last year, 91 people were killed or seriously injured on Calderdale’s roads, including 10 children, and following a panel meeting in April 2014, it was decided more had to be done to combat these figures.
The new limits are already in seven areas of Calderdale with next phases set to be rolled out in Siddal and Southowram this June.
The move towards more 20mph areas reflects what other parts of the UK are doing with the council being the first in West Yorkshire to introduce 20mph speed limits in most residential streets.
Calderdale Council’s Director of Public Health, Paul Butcher, said: “In our recent survey with over 2000 residents across Calderdale, 89 per cent told us they backed the introduction of 20mph speed limits in residential areas in the borough.
“When asked what would help them drive at 20mph, nearly half said that other drivers doing 20mph would be the biggest help.
“Slower speed limits can help everyone, from children to older people, to feel safe and enable them to live healthy lifestyles. This mirrors the aims of the national ‘20 is Plenty’ group, who want the same for all streets in the country.
“We know that change won’t happen overnight, but throughout the campaign we will be sharing the facts and benefits of driving at 20mph for everyone, including offers and practical tools.”
In the survey with Calderdale residents, people also said they were worried that if they drove at 20mph they could experience aggressive behaviour from the driver behind.
Car CCTVs are becoming more and more popular, with drivers reporting benefits from video evidence, including less tailgating and reduced aggressive behaviour.
