Consultation is now underway with residents in South Bank and Clementhorpe to find out if they want 20mph speed limits in their area. All of the roads proposed for inclusion are residential in nature, but some are more heavily used by vehicles than have previously been considered for inclusion in 20mph speed limits.

If you use any of the affected routes and would like to comment on the proposals please take a look at the documents to download on the right hand side of this page, one of which is a plan of the proposed area. Please email any comments to 20mph@york.gov.uk. 

Please see below for answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding 20mph speed limits.

What's the difference between a 20mph speed limit and a 20mph zone?

A 20mph speed limit is indicated by entry signs to the area subject to the 20mph limits in addition to smaller repeater signs. The repeater signs are a requirement for a speed limit based approach. A 20mph zone has signs at the entry points together with suitable traffic calming measures to provide a self-enforcing element, but does not include any repeater signs.

What is the current 20 mph speed limit policy?

The Department for Transport (DfT) advice drafted in 2009 encourages Local Highway Authorities to "introduce 20 mph zones or limits into streets which are primarily residential in nature; and into town or city streets where pedestrian and cyclist movements are high, such as around schools, shops, markets, playgrounds and other areas; where these are not part of any major through route."

The same document also states that the DfT wants to "make it clearer that highway authorities have flexibility in the use of 20 mph zones and limits, and should apply the option best suited to the local circumstances and that brings most benefits in terms of casualty reductions and wider community benefits."

A 20 mph policy is being developed for York based on winning 'hearts and minds', encouraging compliance with the new limit by drivers and promoting understanding of how 20 mph limits can help contribute towards improving the quality of the places where we live.

Why are 20mph speed limits such a good thing?

The council has a commitment to introduce 20mph speed limits in residential areas. Subject to favourable support, the South Bank and Clementhorpe area will be the first phase of a citywide rollout. The introduction of 20mph speed limits in our residential streets will help promote more considerate driving and increase confidence in the safety of our neighbourhood roads. Safer streets will hopefully encourage more of us to make greater use of our streets for walking, cycling, playing or just socialising. With less traffic and more people around, the places we live will become safer, friendlier, quieter and cleaner places to be.

Are other areas doing something similar?

National guidance now positively encourages local authorities to progress the implementation of 20mph speed limits for residential roads. In the UK over 7 million people already live in areas committed to introducing 20mph speed limits. These include authorities such as Lancashire, Newcastle, Bristol, Liverpool, Warrington, Oxford, Cambridge and now York.

Correction: It was previously stated in the above paragraph that Manchester had committed to 20mph speed limits. This is, in fact, not yet the case.

Do they really work?

Evidence nationally has shown that signed only 20mph speed limits can help to reduce average speeds and improve safety. Locally from the trials in the Fishergate area we have seen average speeds reduce by several miles per hour. Residents also reported there being a safer environment for walking and cycling following the introduction of a 20mph speed limit. The number of people walking and cycling in Bristol was shown to increase following a reduction in speed limits.

Won't it clutter the area with signs?

Larger signs (600mm diameter) are needed at the entrance points to the 20mph area and smaller repeater signs (300mm diameter) are required at regular intervals. We will design the schemes to put signs on existing poles or lampposts where possible and to keep the number of signs to a minimum. We will also commit to review existing signs in the area and indications are that we can remove more signs that we are putting in.

Will it not just increase journey times and pollution?

Good drivers should not have difficulty in adapting their driving style to reflect the lower speed limit and will experience little difference in journey times. Fewer vehicles on the road would lead to a reduction in delays for all road users and less pollution.

Will the 20mph speed limit be enforced?

The police are supportive of the approach the council are taking with regard to 20mph speed limits in your area. 20mph speed limits are intended to be self-enforcing so actual enforcement is likely to be limited.

Will there be speed humps?

No speed humps are planned to be installed in the areas as part of signed-only 20 mph schemes. Any existing speed humps or other traffic calming will remain. Additional  measures may be required on some roads such as road narrowing or pedestrian islands. 

When will it be coming to my street?

South Bank and Clementhorpe residents are being consulted in April with implementation in this area, providing the consultation is favourable, in the summer of 2012. It is the intention to roll out city-wide over the next three years. The plan available to download from this page shows the phasing of this three year roll out.