Cut in speed limit provokes debate
New 40 mile an hour sign on the A6 near Lancaster University.
A DECISION to cut the speed limit on the A6 south of Lancaster has been slammed by a city councillor who believes highways chiefs may need to make the road a dual carriageway.
The limit between Scotforth and the Lancaster University traffic lights has been reduced from 50mph to 40mph.
But Scotforth East councillor Billy Hill said he would have increased the limit to 60mph.
And Coun Hill believes the road may need to become a dual carriageway if housing is built on green fields north of the university off Bailrigg Lane.
Lancaster City Council is investigating whether either the owner of the 46 hectare site or a future housing developer would help fund a joint access road which would also serve the proposed science park next door.
The science park project, which could create 1,100 new jobs, is dependent upon attracting private sector investment.
“I think the reduction to 40mph will lead to contempt being bred for the limit,” said Coun Hill. “A bad law is not going to be enforced and if it is, motorists will just see it as a way of raising cash.
“There are no major roads coming on to the A6 along that stretch and there are not any houses so there is very little chance of children running out in front of cars.
“The slower people drive, the more carbon dioxide is emitted and the more damage there is to air quality. If you build more and more houses like the ones north of Bailrigg Lane and the speed limit is reduced, you will add to congestion.”
See the Lancaster Guardian (02-02-12) for full story.
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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Comments
There are 6 comments to this article
Page 1 of 1
TheLoneGunman
Friday, February 10, 2012 at 01:28 PMWhy not go the whole hog and require each vehicle is preceded by a chap carrying a red flag to warn others of the immanent danger. This may also resolve unemployment issues in the district.
Ministry
Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 01:06 PMThis is a bizarre change. Where did it come from? Was this a City Council decision, or County level? Who can we complain to? And don't get me started on the 20mph zoning. It makes perfect sense on some streets, and I support the principle, but applied to the majority of Lancaster, as suddenly seems to have been imposed, including on major through-routes.
JoanneCC
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 09:47 PMI agree the speed limit was right at 50mph - and so does the Council it would seem after a 50mph sign has been left in place in both directions within the new 40mph zone.
RisingSun
Monday, February 6, 2012 at 03:58 PMThey must not be making enough money from speedtrapping at 50mph!
bansaghi
Sunday, February 5, 2012 at 10:13 AMI agree, 40mph is too low for that stretch, 50mph was just right. Also the new 20mph is too low in many areas for example on Wyresdale Road, all the way up to Williamson Park. These measures increase air pollution and cost the economy.
wildlancaster
Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 04:37 PMIt was silly to reduce this stretch of road to a 40MPH, but it is even more stupid to suggest that it needs to be turned into a due carriageway, what planet do some of the people live on?
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