Slower is Safer - Speed Limits outside Wheelers Lane Technology College

In February 2017 we carried out a public consultation on proposals for variable 20mph speed limits outside schools. This would include signs to advise drivers to reduce their speed to 20mph at times when lots of children are expected to be walking near the school, such as at the start and end of the school day. At all other times, the current speed limit of the road (usually 30mph, in some cases 40mph) would apply.

We would like to thank everyone who responded to the consultation.   As a result of comments received we have reviewed the project and its objectives and it has been decided not to proceed.

Therefore we will not be implementing a variable 20mph speed limit at the schools included in the original consultation.

In coming to this decision it has been concluded that installing variable 20mph limits in isolation (i.e. not as part of a wider road safety scheme or in the context of area wide 20mph limits on surrounding roads) would not contribute to the objectives of the Birmingham Cycle Revolution programme which was going to be used to fund the scheme.  Further, they would not necessarily address any of the real or perceived safety issues around the schools in question in line with the Road Safety Strategy for Birmingham.

We will hold the scheme in reserve until such a time as area wide 20mph limits are introduced in this area, or should the school be considered for wider road safety or safer routes to schools programmes. 

The council remains committed to rolling out 20mph limits in all residential roads, and we will be reviewing the data from the first 12 months of current areas before further developing the programme for roll out to other areas.

We are continuing to encourage all schools to sign up to Modeshift STARS to develop an action plan that forms part of the school’s travel plan which can lead to a nationally recognised accreditation.   This allows access to a range of activities that can help schools promote sustainable travel, including resources and grant funding opportunities that schools can access.  There are already over 100 Birmingham schools that have signed up, and a further 20 schools who have received their Modeshift STARS Bronze accreditation.  For further information please email connected@birmingham.gov.uk .