Survey support for 20mph speed limits in Shropshire
A proposal to extend 20mph zones across Shropshire has been well supported by the public, the county's crime commissioner has revealed.
Bill Longmore said a number of people have made the case for new 20mph zones in their area.
The commissioner ran a public consultation on the issue, attracting arguments from all sides of the debate.
But Mr Longmore said the majority were generally in favour of 20mph limits.
"I am very grateful to all the people that took the time to take part in the consultation. I have read all the responses that came in with great interest. It's clearly an issue that some people feel very strongly about," he said.
"It's important to be clear – neither myself, nor the police, have any authority to actually introduce 20mph limits.
"However, community safety and safety on the roads are naturally subjects that are linked to policing, and this is a subject many people have mentioned to me on my travels around West Mercia, so I wanted to formally see how people felt about the issue.
"What was clear is that there are specific areas within our force area where people passionately believe that a change in speed restrictions would make their community a better, safer place.
"My message and commitment to them now, is that if a successful case is made and local authorities introduce 20mph zones, then the police will do their part, and work to enforce that limit.
"I discussed the subject with Chief Constable David Shaw. We agreed the same criteria should be applied to 20mph as any other lawfully imposed speed limit.
"The force's position is that if there is an evidence to merit a road having a 20mph speed limit we would expect local authorities to consider implementing that limit.
"We will then work with partners to enforce those limits applying the same approach we use on other speed limits."
Mr Longmore added: "It's important to stress that although the police will enforce speed limits as normal, the best types of 20mph areas are those where the limit is almost self-enforcing.
"From what I have seen, people in some communities really do want to see them extended, so I would urge them to get the necessary evidence, and I am sure our local councils will listen."
