Issue - meetings

Resolved: to note the report.

Simon Moss (Transport Policy and Development Manager) introduced the report. The following key points were noted:

·         The 20mph limit was being delivered in line with Lewisham Labour’s Mayoral and Council manifesto commitment.

·         Officers had reviewed a number of different models for the implementation of the 20mph limit in Lewisham.

·         It had been agreed that Lewisham would follow the Southwark model of implementing the 20mph limit on all borough roads and then monitor speeds in order to decide where additional measures would be required to enforce the limit.

·         There were a number of roads in the borough that did not feel like they were 20mph in their design and layout.

·         Average speeds on the fastest roads with 20mph limits were up to 38mph.

·         Work had started on proposals to deliver work to improve compliance with the 20mph limit. It was recognised that it would be a challenge to deliver the speed limit across the whole borough.

Simon Moss responded to questions from the Committee, the following key points were noted:

·         Interventions to slow traffic on busiest roads would include narrowing the carriageway on some roads or removing centre line markings, which had both been shown to reduce average traffic speeds.

·         Traffic calming might take place on some roads using traffic humps – but the introduction of these measures had to take account of the range of road uses, including bus routes.

·         Introduction of informal crossing points and zebra crossings might also be used to slow and smooth the traffic flow.

·         Space for cyclists might be provided as part of the narrowing of parts of the road network.

·         There was insufficient evidence to link the reduction in traffic speeds to improved air quality but work was taking place in Lewisham to gather evidence about improvements of air quality linked to reduced speeds.

·         The primary reason for implementing the speed limit was to reduce the incidence and severity of collisions.

·         Work to progress the cycling strategy was underway, a further update would be provided to the Committee before the summer.

In the Committee’s discussions these key points were also noted:

·         One of the main arguments for the scheme was the reduction in fatalities of children and vulnerable road users.

·         Members wanted further quality data about the impact of 20mph zones on air quality and on accidents.

·         It was hoped that cycle superhighway four would be extended into the north of the borough.

Resolved: to note the report.