A B&NES Council Scrutiny Panel will be meeting next week to look again at 20 mph speed limits and if they are causing more harm than good.

The introduction of 20 mph roads in the local area cost £871,000 from 2011 – 2016, with 1,499 local roads being lowered from 30 mph to 20 mph.

A report, being presented to Councillors says that the speed limit programme in B&NES has had little effect, with a reduction in average speed of 1.3 mph. Whilst some accident reduction has been observed in Bath, accidents have increased in outlying towns, with casualty severity worsened in both the city and North East Somerset, although the report notes the results to be in line with national trends.

It has been argued that 20 mph speed limits are proving ineffective, as drivers find it difficult to keep speeds at such a low level and end up ignoring limits altogether. Pedestrians expect cars to be travelling slower, which could be a reason why more accidents may be occuring.