20mph speed limits set to expand across Wiltshire under bold new council policy

Wiltshire Council has unveiled plans to expand 20mph speed limits across the county in a bid to improve road safety in key areas.

The new policy would make it easier for communities to introduce 20mph limits on roads currently covered by a 30mph restriction.

The proposals were presented to the council's Cabinet on Wednesday by transport portfolio holder Councillor Martin Smith.

Under the plans, 20mph limits would be encouraged in areas considered suitable, including residential streets, village centres, town centres and locations where large numbers of people walk or cycle.

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The council explained that the new approach will make it easier for communities to apply for lower speed limits.

Councillor Smith said the evidence supported reducing speed limits in suitable areas, with a drop in casualties of about 25 per cent.

He also pointed to the experience of Wales, which introduced a default 20mph limit on restricted roads in September 2023.

"The Welsh experience in the first year showed that they had 100 fewer deaths, so the data is very robust in that respect," Mr Smith said.

Under the proposed Wiltshire policy, the presumption would be that 20mph limits are allowed in residential streets, village centres, town centres and roads with high levels of walking and cycling.

This means communities would no longer have to start from scratch when trying to secure a lower speed limit.

It is also planning to simplify the approval process by allowing individual council officers to approve or reject requests.

The scheme would also aim to reduce delays and give communities a quicker route to securing a 20mph limit.

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Wiltshire Council would pay for the initial assessment work, including data gathering and the formal legal process needed to introduce a new speed limit.

However, town and parish councils would be expected to pay for the physical changes, such as new signs and road markings.

The policy would also change how the council assesses roads with speed limits of 30mph or higher by looking at speeds across entire routes.

Other factors would also be considered, including previous crashes, the road's purpose, its layout, the types of road users, and concerns raised by local residents.

Councillor Smith explained that the policy provides a "more straightforward route for communities that want to introduce 20mph limits in suitable locations".

He acknowledged that speed limits are "only one part of improving road safety", adding that the police was proportionate and evidence-led.

Mr Smith added: "By bringing together speed management, engineering solutions and partnership working with local communities and the police, we can continue working towards our goal of reducing serious and fatal collisions on Wiltshire's roads."

The plans form part of the council's wider Our Wiltshire Plan, which includes a focus on safer roads and reducing serious and fatal collisions.

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