Overview

This bill gives parish and town councils in England and Wales the power to apply to change local speed limits, but only after a local referendum approves the change. Strict conditions govern which roads can be affected, and the process requires significant local consultation and a lengthy timeframe.

Description

The bill amends the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and related regulations to grant parish and town councils ("applicant councils") the power to propose changes to local speed limits. These proposals are subject to several conditions:

• Road Type: Changes can only apply to local roads, B roads, or single-carriageway A roads with existing speed limits of 60mph or less.
• School Proximity: Speed limits cannot be increased near schools unless pedestrians are physically separated from the road.
• Limit on Roads: A maximum of three roads can be included in a single application.
• Local Plans: Proposals must consider relevant Local Plans.
• Police Consultation: The police can advise on amendments or recommend against the proposal on road safety grounds.
• Public Consultation: A public consultation process, including at least one public meeting, is required.
• Publication of Proposals: Final proposals must be published for at least six months before a referendum.
• Referendum: The proposals must be approved by a simple majority in a joint referendum of affected residents. This referendum must coincide with an existing election.

If the referendum is successful, the applicant councils must submit their application to the Secretary of State within 30 days. The new speed limit cannot be changed for five years unless exceptional circumstances are agreed upon by the Secretary of State and a traffic authority.

Government Spending

The bill does not explicitly state the cost to the government, but the applicant councils are jointly responsible for the costs associated with the referendums.

Groups Affected

• Parish and Town Councils: Gain the power to propose speed limit changes, but also bear the responsibility for referendum costs and compliance with stringent conditions.
• Residents: Can participate in public consultations and vote in the referendum on proposed changes. Their views are central to the decision-making process.
• Police: Have a role in advising on proposals and can recommend against them on road safety grounds.
• Secretary of State and relevant Ministers: Responsible for making the final orders to change speed limits, following successful referendums and application submission.
• Traffic Authorities: Retain their powers to implement speed limit variations but are subject to the 5-year restriction (except in exceptional circumstances).

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