20mph speed limit rolled out in parts of Plymouth
A reduced speed limit of 20mph will be introduced in parts of Stoke from today (Thursday 12 June)
The first phase of 20 mile per hour zones are being rolled out in Plymouth.
A reduced speed limit is being introduced in parts of Stoke from today (12 June), with more to come within the next coupe of years.
The mission of the scheme is to make it safer for children travelling to school, with the zone also including a new parallel pedestrian and cycle crossing on Mill Bridge, linking Stonehouse Creek to Victoria Park.
It's been developed amid feedback from local ward councillors about residents’ safety concerns, and was approved in January following public consultation.
The first phase will cover residential streets around Stoke, Millbridge and Eldad Hill, including Stuart Road Primary Academy in Palmerston Street.
The second phase, which will be implemented within two years, will extend the existing 20mph zone around High Street Primary Academy further to cover streets in the Stonehouse area.
Two designs of the 20mph signs were chosen from nearly 60 created by the young artists to alert drivers to the importance of road safety, speed limits and people walking, cycling or wheeling in the area. The winning pupils will receive a gift card, a goodie bag and a certificate.
'We hope the reduced speed limit will help people feel safer'
Councillor John Stephens, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport, said: “The zebra crossing and 20mph zone are being introduced in response to feedback from ward members and residents concerned about speeding, accidents and near misses in their neighbourhood.
“Many of these concerns are for pupils and families travelling to and from school and vulnerable road users will always be our number one priority. There are several primary and secondary schools within the two phases of the scheme and this will significantly improve safety on their daily journeys.
“Our road safety team works closely with Stuart Road Primary, including supporting the introduction of its Safer School Streets scheme, which has been a huge success. We are really pleased to be using signs designed by pupils as part of this first phase.
“We hope the reduced speed limit – and the new crossing, when it opens – will help people feel safer when they travel through this busy area.”
'Too many near misses'
Britta Nicholls, headteacher at Stuart Road Primary, said: “We are delighted with the new speed restrictions that will make sure that parents and children can safely travel to and from school.
"We have had too many near misses in the past and welcome the reduced speed enforcement in roads around Stuart Road. This supports our mission to increase the number of families who walk, cycle or scooter to school for a healthier lifestyle, cleaner air and is environmentally friendly.”
Full details of the 20mph zone and maps showing the streets it covers can be viewed on our Stoke 20mph zone page. The new speed limit will be enforced by Devon and Cornwall Police.