20 mph rollout

20 mph: Making Bristol a better place to live

In July 2012, following a successful pilot scheme, Bristol City Council voted to bring in a 20 mph speed limit throughout Bristol. The scheme will cost £2.3 million. This will come from a share of the Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF) allocated by the Government in 2012 and the Local Transport Plan Settlement.

The lower speed limit would be introduced in six phases starting with central Bristol in summer 2013. The roll out would continue until 2014. The map below shows each proposed phase including the two pilot schemes: 

Phases Map (pdf, 321 KB) (opens new window)

All roads except dual carriageways, 40 mph and 50 mph roads will be considered for the new 20 mph speed limit. The speed limit would apply to all motorised vehicles on the road. Bristol would be the first city in the UK to introduce a 20 mph limit on all but a few major routes.

Progress Update

A Progress Update (pdf, 410 KB) (opens new window) for the 20 mph project has been produced incorporating the feedback from the Neighbourhood Forums, meetings, briefings, survey and displays that were carried out in central Bristol and the wider area from September to December last year. This is not your last chance to voice your views as there will also be a further opportunity to express views during the formal Traffic Regulation Order consultation for Phase 1 later this year.

Inner North Area - Phase 3 (Henleaze, Westbury, Stoke Bishop, Lockleaze, Horfield)

In May and June 2013 there will be a third series of displays about the new 20 mph speed limit for the Inner North area. This area covers Henleaze, Westbury, Stoke Bishop, Lockleaze and Horfield wards. These are a good opportunity to find out more on how your local area is affected at the displays and voice your opinions on which roads you think should not be included.

Dates and locations for the Inner North area displays are:

• Saturday 18th May (10am to 4pm) - Westbury Library, Falcondale Road, Westbury-on-Trym, BS9 3JZ
• Saturday 25th May (10am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm) - Horfield Library, Filton Avenue, Horfield, Bristol, BS7 0BD
• Saturday 1st June (10am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm) - Eastville Library, Muller Road, Eastville, Bristol, BS5 6XP
• Saturday 8th June (10am to 4pm) - Henleaze Library, Northumbria Drive, Henleaze, Bristol, BS9 4HP 

There will also be officers attending the Neighbourhood Forum meetings in the area:

• Wednesday 15th May -  (7pm to 9pm) Stoke Bishop Forum, Stoke Bishop Primary School, Cedar Park, BS9 4HP
• Thursday 16th May - (7pm to 9pm) Henleaze Forum, Henleaze Library, Northumbria Drive, Henleaze, Bristol, BS9 4HP
• Tuesday 21st May - (7pm to 9pm) Westbury-on -Trym Forum, Venue 35, 135 Stoke Lane, BS9 3RW
• Thursday 23rd May - (7pm to 9pm) Horfield Forum, Upper Horfield Community Trust, Eden Grove
• Tuesday 28th May - (7pm to 9pm) Lockleaze Forum, Cameron Centre, Cameron Walk

Why are we doing it?

Safety, health and community are the three key benefits to the reduced speed on Bristol's roads.

Supporting and building communities

The vision of 20 mph is to help create more pleasant communities for us all to enjoy. Slower speeds and ultimately reduced car use for local trips will lead to a less noisy and more people-centred community. The reduced speed also makes it easier to cross roads, particularly for children and the elderly, and access local facilities helping to build stronger communities, and encouraging children to become more active.

Safer streets for all

The success of Cycling City and Active Bristol initiatives means that more people are choosing to walk and cycle in and around the city. Slower speeds will make the streets safer for everyone, reducing the number and severity of collisions. A pedestrian struck at 20 mph has a 97% chance of survival whilst this falls to 80% at 30 mph and 50% at 35 mph, according to ROSPA.

Making Bristol healthier and happier

With lower road speeds, walking, cycling and outdoor play become more attractive, all of which have a positive impact on health and the community. As well as increasing physical activity, these pursuits give a greater opportunity for social interaction.

More information

If you have further queries please email 20mph@bristol.gov.uk.

You can also find out information about the two 20mph pilot areas set up in South and East Bristol including a monitoring report.