Council imposes 'pointless' 20mph limits in villages

Residents have slammed a council's decision to impose two 20mph speed limits in neighbouring villages.

Bath and North East Somerset Council has introduced the speed limit to High Littleton and Farrington Gurney in Somerset, saying it will "make the roads safer for all users".

Yet locals have said the limit is "pointless" and will not improve things due to existing parking and traffic problems affecting the villages.

Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for transport said: "Research has shown that if a vehicle collides with a pedestrian or cyclist at 20mph rather than 30mph, they are much less likely to suffer fatal or life-changing injuries."

Bath and North East Somerset Council announced the two new zones on Facebook and was met with criticism from some social media users.

In the post it said: "We’ve recently introduced a 20mph speed limit at High Littleton and made the advisory 20mph speed limit in Farrington Gurney permanent, making the roads safer for all users."

One person commented: "Yet again the council making driving more difficult without providing any alternative.

"Wouldn't the money be better spent providing reliable public transport that would encourage more off the roads and therefore reduce casualties?"

Another added: "You think by reducing a speed limit, that is job done, there will be zero roads deaths in those areas, no one will drive dangerously - it is just not that simple."

Another person added: "Won’t make High Littleton any safer.

"You have to drive at 20mph through there anyway, with the parking and the traffic, it’s very rare you can go any faster at all anyway. Pointless really.

"As for Farrington, what with those dangerous ‘chicanes’ - for want of a better word - the same applies. What a pointless waste of time!

"As already said, we need money spent on much better and more reliable public transport."

Ms Rigby, said the speed limit is just one way in which they are helping to make roads safer.

She said: “The council is committed to making roads safer for everyone.

"Lower speed limits in villages and built-up areas are just one way we are helping to make our roads safer across Bath and North East Somerset, as well as providing new crossings and safer routes to schools.”

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