Suburb’s speed limit to be cut to 20mph after spate of accidents

The proposed area for the new speed limit, in Shiregreen, is bounded by Ecclesfield Road, Barnsley Road, Bellhouse Road and Hartley Brook Dike.

Speed limits on the main A roads, including Bellhouse Road, will remain unchanged at 30mph.

Back in 2006, when Sheffield Council-owned properties in Shiregreen were transferred to the ownership of Sanctuary Housing Association, it was agreed that a series of road improvements would take place in the area, including the introduction of a 20mph limit within the estate.

Since then, consultation has been carried out with residents and approximately 5,000 letters were delivered to houses, businesses and shops, asking for opinions on the new speed limit.

Only 37 people responded – fewer than one per cent – and the vast majority said they were in favour of the changes.

As a result, Sheffield Council is set to agree the new 20mph limit at a meeting of its cabinet highways committee this afternoon.

In the report set to go before that meeting, head of highways and transport John Bann says: “If the speed limit is reduced from 30mph to 20mph in this area of Shiregreen, then there are likely to be modest reductions in vehicle speeds and accidents, which would be particularly beneficial to vulnerable road users such as children and elderly pedestrians.

“Introducing a reduced speed limit could result in an area perceived to be calmer and safer, which could encourage more people to walk or cycle, thus helping to reduce the city’s carbon footprint and improving personal health.”

Since the “Speed Limit Order” was advertised in February this year, just five objections have been submitted to Sheffield Council.

Opponents say: “it is difficult to drive a car efficiently at 20mph” and “dumping more road humps on the road does nothing to slow the guilty.”

Another objector said: “I don’t see the need for the council to spend more money on speed reduction in the area as I feel the small amount of accidents don’t warrant this sort of measure.”

However, Mr Bann’s report says that no road humps would be installed in Shiregreen and the only physical changes would involve putting in signs and new red road markings.

It adds that the proposed speed limit reduction is justified on accident grounds, and says: “There were a total of 70 road accidents resulting in injuries over a five year period in the area.

“Twenty-two pedestrians were injured and 12 of these were children. When traffic speeds are 20mph or lower, the risk and severity of accidents can be substantially reduced.

“If a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle travelling at 20mph they would likely to suffer slight injuries, at 30mph they would be severely hurt, and at 40mph or above most are unlikely to survive their injuries.

“Portsmouth Council has introduced a 20mph speed limit in residential areas of the city and there has been a modest reduction in accidents and speeds over the relatively short period of operation.”

Funding for the new speed limit is expected to cost Sheffield Council £50,000 over the next financial year.

Advising councillors to agree the changes at today’s meeting – which begins at 2pm at Sheffield Town Hall – Mr Bann says: “The alternate option would be for the speed limit in Shiregreen to remain 30mph. However, this would lead to the same level of road accidents and vehicle speeds.

“Of those residents who responded, the majority were in favour of the scheme.

“Given the level of support and the road safety advantages of introducing a 20mph speed limit at this location, it is considered that the benefits outweigh the concerns received.”