20 mph limits in Worthing

Trail Blazing 20 mph Limits Motion for Worthing, West Sussex  

On 6^th July Councillors will consider a motion from Bob Smytherman proposing the spearheading of 20mph limits in the county in Worthing. West Sussex Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, Lionel Barnard, has indicated that he will consider supporting wide scale 20 mph limits. His conditions are that broad public support is demonstrated and the County Local Committee funds any such measure using Section 106 monies and contributions from Worthing Borough Council. 

Politicians from both Worthing Borough Council and Chichester have previously voted for 20 mph as their default residential speed limit, without humps.  Through routes can be excluded, with each road considered on its own merits.  Funding would turn this democratically agreed policy into reality, with Worthing trail blazing it in the County.  5.4 million people live in places like Portsmouth, Oxford, Bristol, Islington and Lancashire who have implemented, or are committed to, Total 20.

The Public Consultation Key Issues Report for WSCC Local Transport Plan (Dec 2010) highlights public support of 20 mph limits without humps saying “A large number of comments called for the introduction of 20 mph speed limits in urban areas.”

20 mph reduces risk to walkers and cyclists by 95% and makes streets feel safer. Department for Transport guidance puts these as priority modes, with safety as a top concern.  20 mph limits do not have humps, and are not anti-motorist as drivers benefit from better safety.  The public health argument is conclusively cost effective.  20 mph limits give outstanding value for money with first year rates of return at 800% quoted in Warrington from fewer injuries. Further years are free of cost. Some light touch enforcement only is required. Portsmouth had 22% fewer casualties after 2 years of turning 94% of roads 20 mph. 

Costs of up to £245,000 are quoted for Worthing, though the Department for Transport signs review has recently lowered costs. 

20’s Plenty for Us campaigners in Worthing and Chichester invite residents to demonstrate public support by signing on line petitions at www.20splentyforworthing.org.uk and www.20splentyforchichester.org.uk. 

Support the cause by writing to councillors, in particular lionel.barnard@westsussex.gov.uk to fund 20 mph limits which cost £333 per street in Portsmouth.

20’s Plenty for Us welcomes comment and feedback. Please contact us if you have or need any further information. www.20splentyforus.org.uk

20’s Plenty for Us campaigns for 20 mph speed limits without road calming as the default in towns and residential areas

Anna Semlyen, Campaign Manager                        anna.s@20splentyforus.org.uk                                              07572 120439

Rod King, Campaign Director                                     rod.k@20splentyforus.org.uk                                                07973 639781