The Councils £600,000 scheme to put up 20 mph speed limit signs across west York will apparently start this weekend.
Had the signs gone up before mischief night we doubt many would have survived for long!
The scheme is being introduced in the face of fierce opposition from the majority of residents.
In the Acomb, Westfield and Woodthorpe areas surveys showed 80% opposed the plan with costs and the ineffectiveness of putting signs, on streets where average speeds are already below 20 mph, being cited as the main concerns.
The Council are desperately trying to convert public opinion by selectively quoting the Police and “local head teachers” as supporting the change. Both the Police and “head teachers” also have responsibilities to taxpayers.
Ironically all the schools in west York already have a 20 mph speed limit outside their entrances – and have had for many years.
speed and accident record of streets in west York click to download
They might also look at the statistical data – suppressed by the Council during their consultation period – which can be downloaded here.
It revealed that most roads, that will get new 20 mph limits, have had no recorded accidents at all.
The bulk of accidents, in the York area, occur on the main arterial and trunk roads (which will continue with their current speed limits).
A couple of months ago the Council admitted that in other City’s (Portsmouth and Bristol) the number of accidents taking place in wide 20 mph limit area, had actually increased since the speed limits were reduced.
Even the hitherto responsible Benendon Healthcare organisation (where a Labour Councillor is in charge of public relations) appears to have been been taken in by the propaganda with their Chief Executive quoted as saying that it will improve safety.
Not for those living in Bristol and Portsmouth it didn’t.
The Council’s response is to use taxpayers money to pay for a video which is probably the most patronising piece of propaganda that you will see.
Numbers killed and seriously injured in York click to access source data
The last set of accident statistics for York roads, up to the end of 2012, have recently been published.
They reveal that those killed and seriously injured on our roads have fallen to an all time low.
This is the result of targeted accident reduction work the funding for which is being cut to pay for the 20 mph signs.
The figures for 2013 will be the last where most of the year reflected this priority. The 2014 figures should be published just a few days before the next local elections taken place (May 2015)
We hope that York residents’ will continue to drive at a safe speed taking into account all road conditions.