20mph speed limit pilots in Warrington

The concept of the pilots was to provide the council with a mechanism for understanding the value of potentially implementing 20mph speed limits in the majority of residential streets in Warrington over time, without the usually associated traffic calming measures, and without increasing enforcement demand on Cheshire Constabulary.

The report describes the outcomes of investigations into the feasibility and potential benefits of extending 20mph speed limits to all residential streets within the Borough in order to encourage an attitudinal change in drivers. It also provides an overview of stakeholder consultation locally and other evidence nationally in the development of the use of 20mph speed limits.

The report is supported by a ‘Public Perception Surveys’ document which attempted to capture any shift in the public perception of 20mph speed limits during the pilots, to indicate whether 20mph speed limits would be an appropriate intervention for Warrington road users and communities.

In summary, the results show that:
• Traffic flow reduced by an average of 2,678 vehicles per week per road throughout the three trial areas; average speeds reduced by 1.45 mph; and a reduction of injury collision occurrence of 25.5%.
• Each of the trial areas saw increases in average speeds during the final monitoring stage. However, it is not possible to say whether speeds will increase to their original levels without undertaking further assessment in 2011.
• Perception surveys suggest a change occurred during the pilot study, with an 86% increase in positive feedback since the pilot began. Overall, support for 20mph speed limits continued throughout the three survey stages. The final survey, close to the end of the pilot period, indicated that perception had changed significantly, as people believed that additional measures such as traffic calming and/or police enforcement would now be necessary for the speed limits to be effective.