Cllr SD commented that it is the speed of traffic that causes issues within residential areas.  The footprint of the 20 mph zones in residential areas would result in speed of traffic and a culture change within Torbay.  Cllr SD has taken the liberty of contacting some of the schools that are mentioned in the appendices and the feedback has been shared with Chairman and IJ.  There is strong support from the schools to see this implemented. 

Cllr MM commented that it is the views of the working party that is being sought after today and then a consultation process will start. 

IJ ran through the highlights of the report.  There have been some areas, which have had schemes implemented as part of the current Strategy, namely in, in Foxhole, Paignton and Barton Road (South) are, Torquay.  There is a scheme which is being implemented in the Fore Street Barton area shortly and there are other areas being progressed including Queensway area, Torquay and Fisher Street Area, Paignton. 

The proposal is that areas the current strategy of considering areas listed within the category A list in the 2018 report, will be investigated first. It is then proposed that the boundaries for the locations listed in Appendix 1 to this report will be developed in liaison with the Cabinet Lead Member.

Cllr CL asked if the police have been consulted with respect to enforcing the 20 mph zones and IJ advised that conversations will be held with the police and Vision Zero South West, where issues are identified.  However we need to understand that some of these locations may be considered as lower priority for enforcement. There may also be opportunities for Community Speed Watch to be encouraged with residents in these areas.

Cllr CL commented that if the zones are being put in areas around secondary schools, then it could be a good idea to work with the school and the police where school pupils could monitor and take pictures of cars not adhering to the limits. 

Cllr JO’D asked how long the initial 6 areas in Appendix 1 will take to put in place.  Cllr JO’D asked if the areas in the Appendix 1 list will be implemented, will this be at the expense of other areas with high accident rates.  IJ commented that we have a duty to review areas with concerns regarding collisions and this will need to continue as a priority.  However there are other priorities which are highlighted within the road safety budget.  IJ advised that from national guidance there is evidence that the introduction of these zones will help to bring the speed of drivers down but there cannot be any guarantees that all drivers will adhere to the speed limits within the zones. 

Cllr JO’D asked which Schools had not had any 20mph limits implemented to date. IJ commented that there are areas, mainly with some primary schools, which are in more remote areas where it is physically difficult to put a 20 limit immediately outside of the school. These were identified in the Road Safety Initiatives Report last year and some areas are included in Appendix 2.

Cllr HF queried what times of the day the 20 mph zones would come into force.  IJ commented that any zones that are introduced will be permanent and in operation 24 hours a day. 

A positive conversation was held where members advised that they are in support of this scheme and other various schools which they believe should be included on the list were suggested including Ilsham Valley Primary School, Sherwell Valley Primary School and St Marychurch Primary School.  Ward members asked if it was possible for these schools to be given priority.  IJ commented that the areas detailed are not exhaustive and other areas will be considered. 

Cllr CL asked if it was possible to have flashing lights within the areas where the zones will be implemented.  IJ commented that his understanding was that it was not legal to have warning lights on speed limit signs, however in areas with schools, however there will be beacons which flash advising that there is a school nearby, Vehicle Activated signs can be used where appropriate.  IJ will look into this further as part of developing the schemes.  ACTION - IJ