Monday, 25 June 2012 11:00

"Tell us what you think about proposals to introduce 20mph speed limits in most residential and shopping streets in Brighton & Hove."
 
That's the message from Brighton & Hove City Council to residents, businesses and other interested parties as public consultation start this week (Wednesday June 27).
 
The city council is proposing a phased introduction of 20mph limits over the next three years, in response to requests from residents, to improve road safety. Most major roads and arterial routes such as the A259 seafront road and the Old Shoreham Road are unlikely to be included and will continue to have 30mph limits.
 
Ten thousand questionnaires are being sent out to homes and businesses across the city, selected at random, to invite people to give their views. In addition everyone interested can complete the questionnaire on the council's website, by picking up a copy from Brighton Town Hall or Hove Town Hall where they will be available from June 27, or by calling 01273 293705 to be sent a copy. The closing date for consultation is August 10.
 
As part of the public consultation, exhibitions are being held next month at Hove Town Hall and Brighton Town Hall to provide more details about the proposals and staff will be on hand to answer questions. Details as follows:

Hove Town Hall, Norton Road, Hove

• Monday July 16     11am to 7pm
• Tuesday July 17    10am to 6pm
• Wednesday July 18  10am to 6pm

 
Brighton Town Hall, Bartholomew Square, Brighton

• Monday July 23     11am to 7pm
• Tuesday July 24    10am to 6pm
• Wednesday July 25  10am to 6pm

 
The proposal to introduce 20mph limits in most residential and shopping streets follows the introduction of two 20mph pilot schemes around Stanford Infant and Junior Schools in Brighton and around schools in Portslade Old Village earlier this year.
 
Councillor Ian Davey, chair of Brighton & Hove City Council's Transport Committee, said: "We are responding to the many requests that the council has received for speed limit reduction in residential areas over many years.
 
"The idea of these proposals is to improve safety and quality of life for residents and those who work in, or visit, the city.  We are not talking about a citywide blanket 20pmh limit - the proposals cover most residential and shopping areas, but exclude main routes in and out of the city and across the city.
 
"We hope that making the streets safer and more pleasant to use will encourage more cycling and walking. This will not only bring road safety benefits, but will also help to reduce congestion and improve air quality.
 
"These are proposals at this stage - no final decisions have been taken - and we want to encourage as many people as possible to take part in the consultation to ensure that we can consider everyone's views."