Campaigners are urging Bath to become England’s first city to enforce a comprehensive 20mph speed limit. The city was an early adopter of the 20mph restriction, with the northern side of the River Avon set to have the limit fully implemented by April 2027. Now, activists want Bath and North East Somerset Council to extend the 20mph limit to the remaining 8.5 miles of 30mph roads on the southern side of the river.
The ‘Bath 20mph City’ campaign has gained strong community support, with around 250 residents signing their petition. Campaign spokesperson Guy Hodgson emphasized the urgency of the change, comparing 30mph zones where people live, work, and play to the dangers of indoor smoking. “When 30mph limits are no longer the norm, we will look back and question how we ever accepted such hazardous conditions,” Hodgson stated.
Transport expert Pete Dyson from the University of Bath highlighted the tangible benefits of the lower speed limit, citing improvements on London Road where reduced speeds have led to safer streets, decreased pollution, and easier crossings for pedestrians. “Extending these advantages citywide would benefit all Bath communities,” he added.
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At a recent meeting of Bath and North East Somerset Council’s cabinet, Hodgson stressed the life-saving potential of safer speeds. He explained that 20mph zones give drivers more time to react and significantly lessen the severity of collisions, resulting in fewer injuries and fatalities. He also noted that driving at 20mph remains 67 times faster than walking on average, underscoring the practical nature of the speed.
The campaign estimates the cost of implementing the citywide limit at just £15,000 – a modest investment for substantial safety gains. Lucy Hodge, the council’s cabinet member for sustainable transport delivery, affirmed the council’s commitment to 20mph limits when requested by residents, specifically recognizing their importance in protecting schoolchildren.
With half the city already adopting the 20mph limit, Hodgson urged the community to support expanding it across all neighborhoods to ensure that all residents, especially children, benefit from safer streets. “Hundreds have signed the petition, and we encourage everyone to add their voices to this vital campaign,” he concluded.