Nearly 1,000 roads could become new 20 mph zones in Wirral as new plans are revealed.
Wirral Council is proposing to reduce the speed limits on 947 roads in the next stage of plans to introduce hundreds of new zones on streets across Wirral. They are part of major changes to Wirral’s roads aiming to get the number of people killed or seriously injured on roads down to zero by 2040.
The new proposals follow the roll out of 20mph zones earlier this year after a Wirral Council environment committee unanimously approved them on more than 1,700 roads in January.
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Though some people have opposed the new changes, councillors at the January meeting said the proposals would save lives but did want more public engagement going forward. However it has been criticised by some Conservative councillors who called it a vanity project.
When the first round of new zones were approved in January, Cllr Steve Foulkes said: “We have done 20mph zones but only on a piecemeal basis in certain areas. We’re all familiar with them in our wards so we’ve got some evidence there and what they can do."
He added: “We need to go back to basics to remind the public the difference between being hit by a car at 30 miles per hour and being hit by a car at 20 miles per hour is significant and significantly reduces the chance of death. I think lives will be saved. What cost can you put on a human life?”
According to the World Health Organisation, reducing speed limits is the most effective way to improve pedestrian safety because in the distance a 20mph car can stop, a 30mph car will still be doing 24mph.
A consultation has now begun on the new round of zones to get public feedback on the proposed new changes with the council creating an interactive map so people can see where the new changes are proposed.
These include places like West Kirby, Hoylake, Meols, Pensby, Thingwall, Heswall, Thornton Hough, Eastham, Bromborough, Bebington, Birkenhead, Tranmere, Rock Ferry, New Ferry, Claughton, Seacombe, Wallasey, New Brighton, Liscard, Moreton, Upton, Bidston, Greasby, and Woodchurch.
Cllr Liz Grey, chair of the council's environment, climate and transport committee, said: “Everyone has a role to play in improving safety on our roads – through the choices you make as a motorist and the opportunities to walk or cycle more often – this consultation is a chance for you to tell us how you feel about the speed limits and comment on the introduction of them in your local area.”
The funding for the new roll out of 20mph zones comes from £2.16m of Liverpool City Region funding given to the council to improve crossings, cycle lanes, walking routes, and introduce new 20mph zones.
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