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I refer to your letter of 24 August 2006 to the Chief Executive which has been passed to me as roads within Derbyshire Dales are my responsibility. As you rightly state the Government's advice document Setting Local Speed Limits (Circular 01/2006) has just been published. The document has only just been received by the County Council and is currently being studied by the Traffic Engineers. It is however clear that there are quite fundamental changes to the advice and that a review of speed limits within the County will be required. Clearly such a review will need resources both human and financial. It will therefore be necessary to prioritise locations such that maximum benefits occur. In this respect it is clear that the accident record of the various roads will be a major factor in prioritisation. A report is to be produced for presentation to Cabinet. This report will set out the changes in central government advice. It will also consider the process of prioritisation mentioned above. Until that report is received, speed limit changes are in general held in abeyance. Where any changes are proposed full public consultation will occur as you request and representations from bodies such as Parish Councils and individuals such as yourself will always be considered. There is always a need to balance the imposition of lower speed limits with the economic welfare of the County as journey times are a major factor in the cost of transport. The County always errs on the side of safety in this respect and I have no doubt will continue to do so. |