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Middlesbrough roads could go to 20mph
by Sandy McKenzie, Evening Gazette - Apr 9 2011

RESIDENTIAL areas across Middlesbrough could be covered by 20mph zones.

The introduction of the speed limit across housing areas could be rolled out over the next few years.

Initial consultation on the idea has been started by Middlesbrough Council with community council cluster groups. Some areas are already 20mph, with the first zone introduced in Gresham more than 20 years ago.

Middlesbrough now has its lowest road accident casualty figures on record.

Council officers have reported to councillors: “Given this success the challenge is to maintain this momentum over the coming years against a background of reduced capital and revenue resources.”

The new 20mph zones would not include widespread physical works such as road humps, chicanes and table top junctions.

Signs at the entrances to the zones and repeater signs in the zones would be used to get the message over to drivers to keep their speeds down to 20mph or below.

As well as cutting accident numbers and the severity of injuries in road accidents the introduction of 20mph limits is also being seen as having benefits such as creating a more pedestrian and cycle friendly environment.

Lead officer Brian Glover, in one of his final reports before retiring, reported to councillors: “Effective consultation with key stakeholders prior to implementation of the speed limits will be crucial in ensuring the 20mph zones are widely supported and their effectiveness is maximised.”

The council has divided the town into 49 areas for the introduction of the zones. Main routes through the zones would remain at 30mph limit. The total cost of implementing the scheme across all 49 areas is estimated at around £320,000.

Hartlepool Council has also decided to consult on a similar idea of implementing 20mph limits “on all appropriate residential streets”.

A Redcar Cleveland Council spokesman said: “There are no plans to introduce 20mph limits in all residential areas, although the council does support their introduction in places where it is appropriate.”

A Stockton Council spokesperson said: “We have installed traffic calming features to many of our estate roads already reducing speed limits to 20mph.
“We are currently considering which other roads in Stockton, particularly those outside schools, can be reduced to 20mph either by design or through the use of signs.”

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Work starts on road improvement scheme
Work on a major road safety and environmental improvement scheme in Linthorpe is set to start on Tuesday (January 18).

The scheme covers Linthorpe Road, between its junctions with Devonshire Road and St Barnabas Road, and complements the 20 mph zone that was introduced in the area to the west of Linthorpe village last year.

Linthorpe Road has a poor accident record, with 28 recorded injury accidents in the last five years, including 10 involving injury to pedestrians.

Phase 1 of the scheme, between Devonshire Road and Benson Street, includes:

Remodelling of the existing highway layout to narrow the carriageway allowing footways on both sides of Linthorpe Road to be widened
Upgrading of the pelican crossing north of Devonshire Road to a puffin crossing
Relocation of the northbound bus stop between Chipchase Road and Benson Street
Simplification of the waiting and loading restrictions
Upgrading of the paved areas on both sides of Linthorpe Road

The scheme, jointly funded by the Middlesbrough Healthy Town Programme and the Council, will bring a number of important benefits.

The narrowing of the carriageway, widening of the footpaths and improved crossing facilities will create a safer and more pedestrian friendly environment.

The relocation of the bus stop will address the problem of illegal waiting and loading in the existing bus layby and the upgrading of the paved areas will improve the look and feel of the centre.

The start of works on site follows a public consultation exercise, carried out last autumn, which showed a high level of support from the scheme.

Work will be carried out in sections, starting on the western side of Linthorpe Road between Chipchase Road and Benson Street.

This will be followed by the eastern side of Linthorpe Road outside numbers 438 to 444.

Each section will be substantially completed before work moves on to the next one. The occupier of each property affected by the scheme will be contacted personally in the week before work starts to their frontage. Pedestrian access to properties will be maintained at all times.

Although two-way traffic flow will be maintained on Linthorpe Road at peak times, temporary traffic signals may be required during off-peak periods to ensure that works can be carried out safely.

Councillor Paul Thompson, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Transport, said: “This scheme will bring numerous benefits for businesses, local residents and visitors to this important local centre.
“As well as addressing longstanding road safety issues, the scheme has been designed to make Linthorpe Village a much more pedestrian-friendly place, encouraging more visits to be made on foot and complementing the traffic calming scheme introduced in the area to the west of Linthorpe Road last year.
“Although every effort will be made to reduce disruption during construction to a minimum, the scale of the improvement scheme means that there will be some delay to traffic outside peak periods.
“I would, therefore, ask everyone to bear with us until the works are completed in April.”

Subject to funding, phase two of the scheme, between Benson Street and St. Barnabas’ Road, will be implemented during the 2011/12 financial year.

Claire, you're talking about Middlesbrough. They don't do common-sense!