Plans to install a 20mph zone in Caerphilly county have been unveiled.
Caerphilly County Borough Council have announced plans to create the zone on a stretch of the A468 in Machen, near a local primary school, as a pilot which could lead to others if it is successful.
The authority has come up with the plan after looking at a range of options to reduce the speed of traffic through the villages of Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen.
Council cabinet member councillor Rob Gough said: “We have introduced successful 20mph zones outside a number schools in the area but this would be the first scheme to be implemented on a main A road. The restrictions help reduce the speed of traffic and sends a clear message to motorists that ‘20 is plenty’ outside the school gates.”
The council is also constructing a new pedestrian crossing in Bedwas which will allow local people to safely cross a busy section of road near Bedwas Cemetery.
A vehicle activated sign has also been erected in Machen which flashes a warning to drivers who exceed the speed limit through the village.
The A468 is the main route through Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen and the road sees significant levels of vehicle movements each day.
The council said its schemes were designed to help protect residents, especially school children, and make the route safer for pedestrians and motorists.
I have no problem with 20 m.p.h. limits outside school gates but perhaps we can learn from Americans on this. In the USA schools often have this limit, but only when the school is in session. Flashing lights indicate a reduced limit but are switched off after the children have left or are on holidays.
It seems a bit over the top to have a 20 m.p.h. limit in force at 02-30 in the morning, for instance.
Having a 20 mph limit well outside school hours is not only unnecessary but counterproductive. It's one thing to remind people that care needs to be taken but it's insulting to order people to obey an unnecessary law. It will be ignored by many. Watch what happens on a motorway when the highways authority can't be bothered to switch off speed restriction signs when there are patently no road works: confusion and frustration.
People must be allowed to feel a sense of civic responsibility.