§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the advantages of taking further substantial traffic-calming measures in conurbations; and if he will make a statement. [3193]
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§ Mr. John BowisMy Department is providing £55 million in 1996–97 to fund local authorities' local safety schemes, mostly in urban areas. Many of these schemes involve traffic calming measures, which are very effective at reducing road accident casualties. The recently published transport research laboratory report—number 215—which reviewed traffic calming schemes in 20 mph zones found that accident frequency fell by 60 per cent. Pedestrian casualties fell by 61 per cent. and child pedestrian and child cyclist casualties fell by 67 per cent. There are now about 300 20 mph zones and more are likely to be created. The Department has ring fenced £1 million from within the 1997–98 budget to fund the construction of 20 mph zones specifically targeted at child pedestrian casualties.
It is for local highway authorities to choose whether to introduce further traffic calming measures and 20 mph zones funded from their own resources in addition to those supported by the Department. I am pleased to say that many do so.