Minutes

Councillor Kellaway asked:

I support in principle a 20mph speed limit, however do you agree that a rural area/roads should have been at least part of this trial given road accidents are more likely to be fatal in a rural areas?

If not, why?

Councillor Jeavons responded:

Welsh Governments funding for Local Sustainable Transport in Response to Covid 19 was intended to address two emerging transport related concerns as a result of the pandemic. The ability of pedestrians and cyclists to socially distance within the highway environment and potential increases in car use.

The space available on footways and shared use paths in urban areas is often insufficient to allow compliant passing distances. There is also additional pressure on the available space from queues outside shops and at bus stops etc.

As a result, pedestrians and cyclists are frequently forced to step or ride into the carriageway to avoid close passing. This is especially of concern with users who have reduced mobility or young children.

Additionally, we could see even greater percentages of journeys by car in the future unless we make streets a more welcoming environment for cycling and walking as alternative modes of travel

The funding was applied to a number of areas of known high footfall to maximise on the social distancing benefits, depress the reliance on the motor car and improve air quality.

There are many areas of the city that have not been identified as part of this initiative, including rural settlements and urban areas

With regard to rural roads, many do not have footways and when they do, do not carry levels of footfall that would see social distancing due to restricted footway widths as problematic.

As you are aware, Welsh Government have proposed that a national default 20mph speed limit for residential areas in Wales should be introduced as quickly as possible, with a target date of April 2023 for the change in the law coming into effect. This will apply to both urban and rural residential areas across the city.