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Latest 20mph zones launched
20 mph sign Beach Street in Morecambe.
Drivers in parts of Lancaster and Morecambe will have to put their brakes on after the latest round of 20mph zones were introduced.
Scale Hal, Bare, Torrisholme and Slyne-with-Hest have become the latest to join Lancashire County Council’s programme to introduce 20mph speed limits in residential areas and outside schools.
By 2014 the speed limit on all residential streets will be controlled at 20mph with signs only, rather than with traffic calming measures such as speed humps and chicanes.
The latest 20mph zones came into force this week.
County Coun Tim Ashton, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “Our aim is for everyone is the county to understand the benefits that driving more slowly and safely in residential areas has for them, their family, and their neighbours – and, where necessary, to do their bit to influence others to reduce their speed.
“People are much more likely to survive and have fewer injuries if involved in an accident at 20mph than 30mph, and lowering speeds will make our neighbourhoods safer and better places to live.”
Results have shown a fall in accidents in areas of the county – including the West End of Morecambe – which first piloted the scheme in 2010.
County Coun Michael Green said: “It’s important to remember that the county council’s move towards 20mph areas is aimed at reducing accidents, especially among children.
“A report in 2010 showed that more children were being killed on residential roads in Lancashire than elsewhere, and we were determined to take action.
“That’s why wet made funding available to enable 20mph areas to be rolled out in residential areas and near schools.
“The fall in casualties is very encouraging and, I hope, will help to persuade others that adding just a minute to your average journey by slowing to 20mph on residential roads can really make a difference.”
Department for Transport research estimates that a child hit by a car at 30mph is seven times more likely to die than a child hit at 20mph.
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Weather for Lancaster
Thursday 20 June 2013
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 12 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 15 C
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