From Adrian Lane, Exeter 383262, September 05, 2008

A TASK group has found that 20mph limits are proving effective at reducing speed but that careful street planning and design are as important.

The conclusions of the group will be reported to Devon County Council's Environment Economy and Culture Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday (9 September).

It recognises that 20mph zones do reduce road accidents and it has also found that when implementing 20mph limits, targeting areas is more effective than a blanket approach outside of all schools.

Following a review which has included input from emergency services, road users, children and focus groups, it reports that Police will provide support and enforcement while appropriate engineering measures are introduced but that 20mph limits should be self enforcing. The task group wants the Government to address this as it feels more lives would be saved.

The impact of the 20mph speed limits has been examined, looking at how they are enforced, what is in place to educate drivers, and whether the zones offer the best protection to children on their journey to and from school.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Chairman of the Environment, Economy and Culture Overview Scrutiny Committee, said: "The task group has held a wide ranging investigation, and has proven very beneficial in exploring the positive impact on accident reduction and improved safety for road users."

Councillor Gordon Hook, Vice Chairman of the Environment, Economy and Culture Overview Scrutiny Committee, said: "We want to ensure that a clear and consistent approach is maintained across the county and that we can work with the police to ensure that speed limits are observed in order to promote road safety. I have been a strong advocate of '20 is Plenty' since seeing how beneficial such schemes appear to have been elsewhere in the country."

Councillor Roger Giles, Chairman of the Task Group, said: "The task group is trying to do what it can to achieve road safety improvements, especially as most 20mph signs are around schools where some of the most vulnerable road users are with young children on their way to and from school."

Department for Transport figures have shown that in areas with a 20mph speed limit there can be up to a 9mph reduction in speed when used in conjunction with traffic calming measures. This has been shown to result in a 60% reduction in accidents and a 67% reduction in accidents involving children.

The task group is also recommending Civil Parking Enforcement Officers target school areas to ensure that cars are parked safely and legally.

Notes for Editors:

Councillor Stuart Hughes, 01395 578414.

Councillor Gordon Hook, 01626 362070.

Councillor Roger Giles, 01404 813387.