Declares that the proposed traffic calming measures on Headland Road in Leicester are vital in ensuring the safety of local school children at Linden Primary School.
The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Department for Communities and Local Government and Leicester City Council to implement the proposed measures, including the 20 mph speed limit without delay and before the next designated review of traffic calming measures.
And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Keith Vaz, Official Report, 12 November 2013; Vol. 570, c. 928.]
[P001292]
Observations from the Secretary of State for Transport:
Local authorities have the power to set local speed limits, including 20 mph, and to implement road safety schemes such as vehicle activated signs, having due regard to relevant legislation and guidance. Although the Department cannot intervene in individual cases, I would encourage all local authorities to take action to improve road safety in their area.
To aid local authorities the Department for Transport has published guidance on setting local speed limits (DFT Circular 01/13) and has developed the Speed Limit Appraisal Tool. The Department also provides advice on implementing all types of traffic calming measures in Local Transport Note 1/07: Traffic Calming.
In October 2011 the Department also issued traffic sign authorisations to all local authorities in England that relaxed the design requirements for 20 mph zones, giving local authorities more flexibility in how they install them. These authorisations are available from: http://www.dft.gov.uk/traffic-auths/. DFT Circular 01/13 makes particular reference to schools, and traffic authorities have powers to introduce 20 mph speed limits that apply only at certain times of day. I have also provided a special authorisation for every English traffic authority to place an advisory part-time 20 mph limit sign, with flashing school warning lights. This can be a more cost-effective solution, where appropriate, and reduces the requirement for signing.