20 mph speed limits

Confusing 20 mph signs Green Lane 24th June 2015

The reasonable suggestion by the new York Council that they would review the effectiveness of the wide area, unenforced, 20 mph speed limits, introduced by the last Labour administration, have predictably drawn national attention.

In the main this has been stoked up by lobbying groups from outside the City who seem ignorant of the impact that the new limits have had on traffic speed (and safety) in York.

As was revealed 3 months ago, the latest figures show that since the limits were imposed, vehicles speeds on some roads have actually increased.

Liberal Democrats continue to believe that the most appropriate speed limit should be set for each road bearing in mind its characteristics and accident record. Lower speed limits would be in place outside schools and in shopping areas.

It as this policy which Labour overturned in favour of a “one size fits all” approach.

The issue now is how to avoid adding to the £500,000 which has already been wasted on this project.

Given that the new limits haven’t actually had any significant impact on driver behaviour, there seems to be little urgency in making any change. There is time for local communities  to have their say.

However, as a principle, there is a stong argument for the limits to be revised if:

  1. There is a sustained increase in accident rates on the new 20 mph roads and/or
  1. Average speeds on new 20 mph roads are higher than they were when they had a 30 mph limit (clearly this already applies to some roads) and/or
  1. There is evidence that police resources are being diverted into enforcing 20 mph limits (when they should more properly be concentrating on accident black spots).

.Some of the more ridiculous signs on very short cul de sac should be removed.

No money should be spent maintaining the 20 mph signs which would effectively become advisory.

 

First Youth Commission on Police and Crime for North Yorkshire

The launch of the first North Yorkshire Youth Commission on Police and Crime will take place this weekend in York (Saturday 11 July 2015).

The Youth Commission is a new initiative, funded by Julia Mulligan’s Community Fund and designed to give people between the ages of 14 to 25 the opportunity to get involved and support, challenge and inform the work of North Yorkshire Police on issues that really matter to them.

The scheme aims to encourage a diverse group of young people, who broadly reflect the make-up of the local community, including those who may have had direct experience of the police and criminal justice.

The Youth Commission will operate from July to December 2015 and members will be asked to choose topics that matter to them such as anti-social behaviour, drugs and alcohol or domestic violence and form their own agenda.

They will then be encouraged and supported to engage with other young people to collect their thoughts and feedback, which will help shape the future relationship between the police and young people.

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