Liberal Democrats on BathNES Council are delivering a key election pledge: 20mph limits for residential streets.

Streets with 20mph limits are safer for other road users like pedestrians and cyclists. They are quieter and less polluted, benefiting residents and pedestrians alike. At 20mph drivers have more time to observe what is going on around them, and yet this will add less than a minute to the typical journey time. You can read more about the spread of 20mph zones to cities across the country at http://www.20splentyforus.org.uk/.

In Bath, quiet residential streets like Minster Way, Sham Castle Lane, Sydney Buildings and Woodland Grove would benefit from the new limit. Through roads like Warminster Road and Pulteney Road will retain their 30mph limit. The change is being introduced gradually through the city in zones separated by the main roads. The first zone, Twerton and Whiteway, has been in operation for more than a year.

Each new zone proposed is subject to meaningful public consultation about the limit and roads to be included. Most zones have had overwhelming public support. However, Midsomer Norton Town Council did not support the limit, so it was not introduced in their town. The consultation reaches Bathwick this year.

The first area affected is the Bathwick Estate, including Darlington Road. Residents of the affected streets have been sent a map of the proposals and are invited to send back their comments by 12th April. As 20mph limits are designed to improve the environment of residential areas, only residents of the areas involved are invited to participate in each consultation. Consultations for the rest of Bathwick ward will begin later this year.