CAMPAIGNERS are calling for Bath to become England’s first fully 20mph city.

The city was one of the first to start introducing the 20mph speed limit and, by the end of April 2027, it will apply to everywhere on the north side of the River Avon.

Now campaigners are calling for Bath and North East Somerset Council to apply the limit to the remaining eight and a half miles of 30mph roads on the south side of the river.

250 people have so far signed the ‘Bath 20mph City’ campaign’s petition.

Campaign spokesperson Guy Hodgson said: “30mph where people live, work and play is akin to indoor smoking. When it is no more, we will look back and wonder how we tolerated such a harmful situation for so long.”

Transport expert at the University of Bath, Pete Dyson, said: “We have already seen 20mph works well for people on places like London Road, which is now safer, less polluted and easier to cross.

“We need to roll out those benefits to all communities.”

Addressing Bath and North East Somerset Council’s cabinet on Thursday, July 2, Mr Hodgson said: “Safer speeds, say 20mph, give people more time to react, reduce the energy in collisions when they do occur, and that results in fewer people killed or injured.”

He added that driving at 20mph was still, on average, six to seven times faster than walking. The campaign estimates that the move would cost £15k, which Mr Hodgson called “excellent value for money.”

Lucy Hodge, the council’s cabinet member for sustainable transport delivery, said: “We are committed to putting in 20mph speed limits where they are requested by residents, recognising how much safer they make our streets for school children.”

Mr Hodgson added: “With half the city now moving to 20mph it is time for all Bathonians, especially our children, to enjoy the benefits of safe speeds.

“Hundreds of people have already signed our petition, and we urge others to add their voices.”

You can view and sign the petition here: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/emergency-20mph-speed-restrictions-for-all-of-bath