Council proposes 20mph speed limits near schools
Torbay CouncilNew 20mph (32km/h) speed limits could be introduced around schools in a bid to make it safer for pupils.
Torbay Council said zones could be installed near six schools in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham on and near roads with a "high level of pedestrian to vehicle conflict".
It said 20mph limits had been proposed for residential roads with a "high volume of use by school children" and in urban areas to help "reduce accidents, cut noise, improve air quality and give drivers more time to react".
The council said, if approved, the mandatory limits would be in operation at all times and enforced by the police.
The proposed 20mph zones are near the following schools:
- All Saints Babbacombe Primary School, Torquay
- Collaton St Mary Church of England Primary School, Paignton
- Ellacombe Church of England Academy, Torquay
- Mayfield Chestnut Centre, Brixham
- South Devon College, Torbay
- St Marychurch Church of England Primary and Nursery School, Torquay
The Local Democracy Reporting Service said some drivers had called for the limits to be enforced during term time only, but the council said school facilities were used by adults and children outside of school hours and in the holidays.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has backed 20mph speed limits close to schools.
It said there was a "clear link between lowering vehicle speeds and a significant reduction in casualties".
It added 20mph limits combined with speed humps were the most effective measure and advised drivers to treat speed limits as a "maximum, not a target".
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