There has been a lot of discussion lately about 20 mph limits across the Borough. Recently (a few weeks before an election) a motion was passed at EBC Full Council, calling for 20 limits, and this is appearing in election literature.
Unfortunately, Eastleigh has no control over traffic speed limits: as the Highway and Traffic Authority the County Council is responsible for setting speed limits across the County.
The current position with 20mph speed limits in Hampshire is that a casualty reduction led policy applies alongside national guidance and criteria. However, the Economy, Transport and Environment Select Committee have agreed to form a working party to support a review that the Executive Lead Member for Economy, Transport and Environment, Cllr Humby, has commissioned into the current policy for 20 mph speed restrictions.
The review has been commissioned to determine whether there is merit in extending the scope for these measures, particularly to support changing travel patterns and improvements to air quality. The review will focus on the evidence about whether such measures are effective and positively contribute to improving air quality and encouraging greater levels of walking and cycling.
Presumably Eastleigh will be amongst the consultees, and can make their case, but your vote in May will have no direct influence on the outcome of the consultation.
The working party will consider the evidence and is expected to report back to the Select Committee in September.
