Has the 20mph zone significantly reduced traffic speeds in Kenley? Kendra has analysed the data.
The broad 20mph zone for Kenley was implemented in May 2018. As part of this project the Council carried out an extensive traffic survey of the south of the borough during Nov 2017 and Nov 2018 so that it would be possible analyse the data to identify if the 20mph signs have had any impact on traffic speed.
When the 20mph zone was implemented in the North of the borough the Council provided reports and a press-release indicating the benefit. We have not been able to identify any such report or press release for the southern 20mph zone.
Kendra has now carried out its own analysis using the Council’s traffic data. Read the Kendra traffic speed analysis report in full.
Kendra has formed a number of conclusions that include:-
- The data shows that the 20mph zone has successfully reduced the speed of traffic in Kenley. This makes our roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists, and lessens the fear of using the roads for vulnerable road users
- Whilst the traffic speed has reduced there remains excessive speeding (just not as fast as before)
- Higher Drive stands out as being subject to the fastest traffic within Kenley (It is slightly slower now that the 20mph zone is present, but the traffic speeds on Higher Drive are clearly excessive)
- Some areas indicate increased levels of speeding since the 20mph zone was implemented (much of Old Lodge Lane and the section of Hayes Lane near Golf Road stand out)
- Drivers appear less respectful of the 20mph school zone at The Hayes School. We suspect that drivers have become desensitised to the signs indicating the School Zone.
Above all the report provides some facts to support further discussion. We are keen to know what our members think of speeding. Something to raise at the Kendra Autumn General Meeting this month?