A comprehensive report outlining the findings of a major Island-wide speed limit review has been released by the Isle of Wight council, highlighting recommended proposals towards improving road safety.
Published today (Tuesday) as part of the latest Cabinet papers, the review was informed by residents’ concerns about vehicle speeds on specific roads or sections of roads.
200 requests for changes to speed limits
As part of the assessment, more than 200 requests logged on the Highways Safety and Improvement Register (HSIR) for changes to speed limits and the installation of traffic calming measures were considered.
These requests come from residents, businesses, parish, town and community councils as well as ward councillors.
To ensure a thorough review, an additional 210 sites were reviewed to understand typical driver behaviour on roads with different characteristics.
Jordan: Recommendations based on formal assessments of on-site traffic surveys
Councillor Phil Jordan, Cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, said the primary goal of the review was to improve road safety for all users and reduce the risk of incidents. He said,
“While we couldn’t consider every road on the Island, the variety of roads monitored allows us to make reasonable judgments about vehicle speeds based on highway characteristics.
“These recommendations are based on formal assessments of on-site traffic surveys, following national guidelines.”
The review, conducted in line with guidance from Department for Transport (DfT) and the council’s own speed limit policy, underscores that setting appropriate speed limits is just one part of effective speed management.
Education and enforcement are crucial for any changes to be effective. The report recommends supporting any changes with a media campaign to engage the public and highlight the new speed limits.
Further work is needed to determine the extent of these changes and the costs involved, which will be addressed once the sites have been agreed.
Lucioni: It’s a simple yet powerful change that can save lives
Councillor Karen Lucioni, Cabinet member for community protection, stressed the importance of reducing vehicle speeds to lower both the number and severity of collisions.
She said,
“When vehicles travel at 20mph or below, the chances of survival for vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists, increase dramatically in the event of an impact.
“It’s a simple yet powerful change that can save lives.
“Similarly, keeping speeds under 40mph greatly enhances the survival chances of vehicle occupants in head-on collisions.
“It’s about creating safer environments for everyone on the road, whether they’re walking, cycling, or driving.
“By focusing on speed management, we can make our roads safer and reduce the tragic consequences of high-speed accidents.”
The report and its recommendations will be considered by the council’s Cabinet on Thursday, 9th January at County Hall.
Following the decision of Cabinet, the intention is to focus on implementing a program of works based on these recommendations, with ongoing monitoring and further traffic surveys to guide future highway improvements.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
