The survey also revealed that opinion about using blanket 20mph limits in built-up areas or at inappropriate sites is less popular. Drivers also believed that lower speed limits should be enforced through the use of signage only and passive measures such as speed humps and safety cameras should be low down on policing priorities.

It is hoped the changes will allow local councils to react quicker to the needs of local residents whilst also keeping costs low. There will still be a requirement to indicate the start and end of 20mph limits but painted road signs can be used as repeaters. Other allowed measures that can be introduced without Government approval include Single lane variable speed limits, an expanded list of allowed traffic calming measures to be allowed in 20mph limits, including mini-roundabouts and variable speed limit flashing warning lights.

The proposals follow trials in Portsmouth of 20mph limits where there was a significant reduction in road traffic accidents. Previously councils would have had to provide traffic calming measures such as speed humps or chicanes in 20mph ‘zones’ but where this is impractical councils now have the opportunity to reduce the limit with less inconvenience to residents. The British Medical Journal released a report confirming that the lower speed does reduce the number of accidents and called for more 20mph limits to be put in place. The government is also asking councils to review rural road speed limits in an effort to reduce causalities on single carriageway A & B roads.

The cameras will be sited at entry and exit points to residential areas and are capable of tracking a vehicle over 15 miles via their wireless network. They will provide a better way of controlling speed than the more traditional chicanes and speed bumps but critics of the idea say that motorists will still be prone to speeding as the system doesn’t factor in traffic lights and junctions.

The new zones will include areas in the south and east of the city. Standard street signage and road markings indicating the new limit will be put in place but there are no plans for speed cameras or other traffic calming devices such as chicanes or speed bumps.  An original consultation with highways officers and Police indicated that there were only to be a handful of streets included in the limit, these proposals were rejected by the city’s transport councillor in favour of residents pressure to include other streets.