A reduced speed limit of 20mph will be introduced in parts of Stoke on Thursday 12 June.
The 20mph speed limit is part of a scheme to make it safer for children travelling to school, which will also include a new parallel (pedestrian and cycle) crossing on Mill Bridge, linking Stonehouse Creek to Victoria Park.
The scheme, which was developed following feedback from local ward councillors about residents’ safety concerns and approved in January following public consultation, is being implemented in two phases.
The first will cover residential streets around Stoke, Millbridge and Eldad Hill, including Stuart Road Primary Academy in Palmerston Street. The second, which will be implemented within two years, will extend the existing 20mph zone around High Street Primary Academy further to cover streets in the Stonehouse area.
Enforcement cameras for the first zone have been installed and we are in the process of putting up new 20mph signage and painting road markings, ready for the change. Advanced warning signs will be in place before the new speed limit becomes enforceable to let drivers know.
Construction of the new crossing is nearing completion and it is expected to open within the next couple of weeks.
Larger ‘terminal’ signs at the entry points to the new 20mph zone will include artwork featuring safety messages, designed by pupils at Stuart Road Primary. The school recently introduced the city’s first permanent Safer School Streets scheme following a successful 18-month pilot.
Two designs were chosen from nearly 60 created by the young artists to alert drivers to the importance of road safety, speed limits and people walking, cycling or wheeling in the area. The winning pupils will receive a gift card, a goodie bag and a certificate.
Councillor John Stephens, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport, said: “The zebra crossing and 20mph zone are being introduced in response to feedback from ward members and residents concerned about speeding, accidents and near misses in their neighbourhood.
“Many of these concerns are for pupils and families travelling to and from school and vulnerable road users will always be our number one priority. There are several primary and secondary schools within the two phases of the scheme and this will significantly improve safety on their daily journeys.
“Our road safety team works closely with Stuart Road Primary, including supporting the introduction of its Safer School Streets scheme, which has been a huge success. We are really pleased to be using signs designed by pupils as part of this first phase.
“We hope the reduced speed limit – and the new crossing, when it opens – will help people feel safer when they travel through this busy area.”
Britta Nicholls, headteacher at Stuart Road Primary, said: “We are delighted with the new speed restrictions that will make sure that parents and children can safely travel to and from school. We have had too many near misses in the past and welcome the reduced speed enforcement in roads around Stuart Road. This supports our mission to increase the number of families who walk, cycle or scooter to school for a healthier lifestyle, cleaner air and is environmentally friendly.”
Full details of the 20mph zone and maps showing the streets it covers can be viewed on our Stoke 20mph zone page. The new speed limit will be enforced by Devon and Cornwall Police.