There has been a lot of debate recently about whether or not 20 mph limits in areas work.        

It depends what you mean by ‘work’. If you mean do all drivers start to drive at 20 mph or less, then of course they don’t. Evidence shows that two things happen:

1. the general speed in the area reduces; and
2. less traffic uses it as a ‘cut through’ because drivers believe the route will be slower

The Council has agreed – unanimously – that 20 mph limits will be introduced on all residential roads. Conversations are also being held with the police to try to get better enforcement.

Funding is a problem, but in Smithills so far we have got several 20 mph areas:    

• the whole of Johnson Fold;
• part of Church Road, Doffcocker Lane, Rawlyn Road and Woodsley Road (paid for by the Area Forum – the entrance from Chorley Old Road is pictured above);
• the area around Lowndes Street, including Stanley Road, Shipton Street, Sofa Street, Lonsdale Road, Jedburgh Avenue and several other roads (paid for by Wainhomes as a condition of building on the former Guide Dog Site;
• The areas around Smithills Croft Road, Moss Lane and Barrow Bridge Road (paid for by the Area Forum; and
• Bennetts Lane

We will try to include other areas if residents want them included and if the money is available.

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