Judging by our postbag many of you are concerned about the speed of traffic through residential areas.

Until recently it was both costly and long winded to introduce traffic calming through 20mph Zones. Their installation would inevitably include the inclusion of “Speed Bumps” and could only be done on an ad hoc basis as and when funding became available.

To date the effect of these schemes has been “hit and miss” due to their indiscriminate coverage, high cost and lengthy procedures. As a result few have benefited from the advantages of reclaiming our streets by reducing vehicle speeds.

Liberal Democrats believe that if local residents want to benefit from “20mph Zones” then local councils should be free to put them in place without spending time and vast amounts of money to satisfy Whitehall Diktats.

Thanks to Liberal Democrats in Government this approach is becoming a reality. Transport Minister Lib Dem MP Norman Baker has signalled a major shift in Department of Transport policy to enable local decision making on “20mph Zones” to take place.

These new guidelines  will help to save lives, and save public money which can in turn be used on other important services such as health, provision for young people and the elderly. Clearly a win win situation.

For more information on the “20 is Plenty” campaign go to www.20splentyforus.gov.uk