Key commuter routes could see 20mph zones imposed

Dozens of key commuter routes could see 20mph speed limits imposed in a bid to reduce serious collisions.

Bristol City Council is considering introducing the new rules on about 90 roads, covering 56 miles (90km). Councillors will debate the plans at a meeting on Thursday and the new speeds could be rolled out by summer 2027.

The routes include Bond Street, the A4 Bath Road, Church Road, Winterstoke Road, Coronation Road, Westbury Road, Temple Gate, Anchor Road and Hotwell Road.

Councillor Ed Plowden, chair of the transport committee, said: "A significant number of roads with poor safety records are now proposed to be made safer for everyone."

Councillor Plowden said that "technical evidence" showed the need to improve safety.

He said: "Our responsibility is to consider consultation feedback alongside collision and wider safety data, how roads are used and the needs of everyone travelling on them, particularly those most at risk."

The new 20mph speed limits would cover 56 miles (90km), about 5% of Bristol's road network.

About a quarter of Bristol's serious and fatal casualties occur on these roads, and a fifth of all casualties.

Lowering the speed limit on main roads elsewhere has reduced casualty numbers, the council has said.

Earlier this year the authority consulted the public about lowering speed limits.

Pedestrians and cyclists strongly supported the plans, but drivers and motorcyclists opposed the majority of the new limits.

Lower limits could make walking and cycling feel safer, but not meaningfully lengthen journey times for people driving cars, the council added.

Some roads originally proposed to get new 20mph limits have been withdrawn from the plans, such as Filton Avenue and Airport Road.

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