§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on his policy on traffic calming. [66412]
§ Mr. HainThe Government have conducted trials across the United Kingdom to establish the most effective means of reducing traffic speeds and to reduce the risk of accidents caused by inappropriate driving behaviour. Our policy on trunk roads is to target sites with poor accident 61W records and/or excessive vehicular speeds for treatment. On some urban and residential roads research has shown that 20 mph is a realistic, sensible and effective level at which to set speed limits. When properly enforced, dramatic casualty reductions can be achieved. The Government have decided to amend the legislation to free local authorities from the requirement to seek the consent of the Secretary of State to introduce 20 mph zones.