North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive look set to approve a new, county-wide Speed Management Policy that outlines out a clear and consistent approach to how speed limits are assessed, set and managed. The draft policy brings together all existing speed management practices into a single policy.
The policy aims to improve transparency and provide clarity around how the council manages speed limits and road safety. It supports vulnerable road users and enhances community wellbeing and follows national guidance on setting local speed limits.
Key elements of the Policy, says the Council, include:
- An evidence-led approach to setting local speed limits
- Clear guidance for 20mph zones and limits, with a focus on areas where vulnerable users – particularly around schools – are most at risk.
- A structured process for reviewing speed limits
- Support for community initiatives, such as Community Speed Watch and the option for town and parish councils to self-purchase Vehicle Activated Signs
- An emphasis on self-explaining roads – roads that use design rather than relying solely on traditional signs or enforcement to help with driver behaviour.
- Consistency with national legislation
- Links to the council’s Network Management Plan and associated road safety measures and initiatives.
Cllr Chris McGiffen, the council’s Executive Member for Highways and Travel, said:
“If approved, this new policy will help ensure that speed limits across North Northamptonshire are clear, consistent and evidence based.
“By bringing our approach together into one place, we can better support communities, improve safety – particularly for vulnerable road users – and work more effectively with our partners, including Northamptonshire Police. This is an important step in making our roads safer and our towns and villages more pleasant places to live and travel through.”
(Picture: North Northamptonshire Council)
