Plans that will see speed limits across residential and city centre areas of Manchester reduced to 20mph have been branded ‘sensible’ by members of the public – but some fear they will just be ‘ignored’ by drivers.
Manchester council’s latest road safety strategy was unveiled on Tuesday (January 14), which included a move to cut speed limits across the city after a surge in accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists. Some main roads will also see limits cut to 30mph.
“We are not suggesting a 20mph blanket ban [on every road],” Kevin Gillham, Manchester council’s head of citywide highways, said at a town hall meeting on Tuesday.
The Manchester Evening News understands city centre streets would be included alongside suburban residential roads in the 20mph proposals, and eight main roads’ limits would fall from 40mph to 30mph.
“Is it what they’ve done in Wales?,” replied Angela, who commutes by bus from Rossendale, when asked for her views on the move.
The simple answer is no: In Wales, there is a blanket 20mph speed limit in all cities, towns, and villages — on both residential and main roads — whereas Manchester will differentiate between types of streets.
“Main roads would be 30mph and residential roads would be 20mph,” continued Mr Gillham at Tuesday’s meeting, adding he was ‘aware of some of the backlash’ which met the Welsh government’s plan.
Half of the city’s residential roads are already 20mph, but the council has yet to confirm when the remaining streets will be slowed down.
Eden Wilkinson, 24, has a car but avoids driving in town, preferring to commute by bus from Moss Side
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
With that caveat, most were in favour of cutting limits. Glen Burns, from Sale, said: “Personally I agree, but the down side is it can slow traffic down too much. Certainly around schools and restricted areas [it’s a good idea].”
The 65-year-old added: “30mph I think is good [for main roads]. It’s a sensible approach. It’s not all roads, but 20mph does benefit children and wherever it’s dangerous where people are trying to cross. Where it’s not a danger, 30mph is appropriate.”
His views were echoed by Eden Wilkinson, 24: “On residential roads it’s a good idea.
“I live in Moss Side and people are doing like 40mph around there. There’s a lot of kids near where I am, it makes you feel unsafe.”
Cyclist Rich Jones, 39, was also in favour: “I think the idea’s great.
Cudjoe Morgan also owns a car but avoids driving in town, citing congestion
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
“I feel safe with the cycle lanes. I come from Whalley Range, and at the start of Withington Road there’s no cycle lane. I got knocked off my bike just before Christmas at a junction near there… they did not see me.”
When asked if he does cycle on nearby Princess Road, a 30mph main road, Rich replied: “I have done it but I do not think anyone feels safe, either motorist or cyclist. I would always take and find a quieter road.”
Cudjoe Morgan, from Heaton Chapel, gave the move a thumbs up for the city centre: “I drive, but I do not drive into town — there’s too much congestion and parking is expensive. There are a lot of cars in towns and there will be more space for people to walk freely [if it’s 20mph].”
Ahmad Rana, from Old Trafford, says the plan has ‘pros and cons’
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
However, some were wary traffic could be slowed too much and create jams. Ahmad Rana, 25, lives in Old Trafford.
“It’s got pros and cons,” he said in Spinningfields. “If it’s a high pedestrian area then I understand some people do not seem to care [about pedestrians].
“I have seen people racing down Quay Street. On my way to work I saw someone crossing the road and the car sped past him, and he fell on the floor
“At the same time, if it’s 20mph then it’s necessary to make it one way because it can cause a lot of traffic.”
Wariness also came from Jacob Thompson, 27, who lives in Whalley Range. The cyclist believes the limits need more stringent enforcement of speed limits near his home.
Jacob Thompson, 27, is worried drivers might ignore speed limits
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
“I have had near misses, many near the ring road and at Whalley Range junctions,” he said. “I am really careful because I have just got my driving licence.
“People do ignore speed limits. The most dangerous road near me is Withington Road, that’s a 20mph but people go 40mph.”
For its part, the council said cutting speed limits are just one tool it has in tackling casualties on the roads. Coun Tracey Rawlins, executive member for transport said: “The rise in the number of people who have been seriously injured or killed on our roads is extremely concerning to us.
“One road death is one too many and as a council it’s imperative that we explore ways to improve road safety and protect everyone who uses our road network, no matter how they travel.
“Schemes that we have been progressing over the past few years do include lowering general speed limits throughout the city, whether that is from 40mph to 30mph, or down to 20mph in residential streets. We know there is a direct link between speed and injuries on the road, so steps like these are key in reducing future harm to the public.
“But we know that changes to speed alone are not enough, which is why on top of this, we are also working to improve safety for cyclists across the network, improve and expand provision for pedestrians to walk around safety, as well as create additional areas where illegal driving can be penalised through the use of moving traffic contraventions.”