At my Environment and Infrastructure cabinet decision session on 10 October a report recommending the reduction of the speed limit on roads near to Monkspath Junior and Infant School is before me. The report, following consultation, recommend the speed limit on the following roads be reduced from the existing 30 mph to 20 mph:
· Farmhouse Way
· Shelly Crescent Blythe
· Shelly Lane
There were three objections to the proposals.
I wish to make our roads even safer, especially for the young, vulnerable and elderly residents and will be supporting these proposals.
I understand the suggestion the speed limit could be set during set times, to allow drop off and pick up from school. However, the full-time reduction recognises the vital role that schools play in the borough which often sees young people and vulnerable road users travelling to and from school outside of the traditional AM and PM drop off and pick up periods. This is quite evident at such a big school like Monkspath, which has morning and afternoon nursery, pre-school and after-school clubs and a very busy wrap-around provision. We should also be cognisant the community centre adjoins the school and holds clubs serving many ages during the day.
The introduction of a 20mph speed limit also provides clear direction and support to motorists to travel at these speeds at such times and will reduce the potential for vehicles of significant different speeds to come into conflict in areas where there are high numbers of vulnerable road users and complex turning movements.
Here in Monkspath, we also should be aware of pedestrians crossing to the dentist, medical practice and shops, especially given the close proximity of Priory Court.
This change has not been driven because of road traffic collisions occurring at a specific location, records show a higher risk of children being involved in a collision in the vicinity of their school hence the council has introduced its policy of introducing 20mph outside and near to all schools in the borough.
Making our local roads even safer was one of Cllr Keith Green’s promises in his local election successful campaign in May. Keith says ‘I fully support the recommendations. Data shows children are more vulnerable near to schools and these proposed measures are intended to help make their journeys to and from school even safer’.
The link to reports and the whole agenda can be found here: https://democracy.solihull.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=682&MId=10349
Ken Hawkins 