20mph
Bedford Borough Council's policy with regard to 20mph zones is to progressively introduce them outside all schools although there are a small number of areas which have blanket coverage.
CCNB's campaigning stance is that there should be a default 20mph speed limit not just around schools but in all residential areas and based on Department for Transport surveys this has the support of more than 70% of the country's population. With recent changes in Government regulations it has become one of the most effective and economic routes to making streets safer and pleasanter for all vulnerable residents from young children to the elderly. Lower speeds result in lower pollution and can often ease congestion making the overall journey shorter.
If a person is hit by a vehicle at 20mph they will most likely live but if hit at 40mph will probably be killed.
Current 20mph zones in Bedford and the surrounding suburbs are:
Urban Bedford
Town Centre
Alexandra Road area – Residential.
Stanley Street area – Residential.
Castle Road area – Residential (Planned 2012).
Brickhill
Carron Road area off Tyne Crescent - Residential.
Goldington
Church Lane part - next to shopping area and Putnoe Primary School – Safer Routes to School.
Putnoe
Wentworth Drive part (part time) outside Mark Rutherford Upper School – Safer Routes to School.
Suburbs
Shortstown
The whole of the area west of the old A600.
New Cardington
The whole of the area west and east of the new A600.
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