§ Mr. SwayneTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to extend the powers of local government to impose lower speed limits; and if he will make a statement. [66710]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonLocal Highway Authorities already have the power to set speed limits of more than 30 mph within the national speed limit without the need to obtain the consent of the Secretary of State. We shall be introducing legislation shortly aimed at allowing local highway authorities to introduce 20 mph speed limits without have to obtain consent. We will be issuing guidance to local highway authorities on the need for such limits to be combined with road engineering methods to ensure compliance.