TWO new 20mph zones are set to be introduced close to schools in residential parts of Leicester.
Leicester City Council has approved plans to place the reduced limit on a total of 46 streets in the Belgrave and Rushey Mead areas of the city
The proposed schemes are the latest in a rolling programme of 20mph zones citywide.
In Belgrave, 19 residential roads, close to Mellor Community Primary School, will be covered by a new 20mph zone, extending restrictions already in place in the nearby area. The block of roads covered is between Lanesborough Road down to Checketts Road, and from Bath Street over to just before Melton Road.
The new 20mph scheme in Rushey Mead will affect 27 residential roads in an area around Herrick Primary School, including part of Gleneagles Avenue and adjoining roads. This will also be an extension of an existing 20mph scheme in the area.
Traffic calming measures are proposed as part of both new schemes. These will include raising existing pedestrian crossings onto road humps and installing new speed cushions where the traffic speeds need reducing.
The introduction of the new 20mph zones follows consultations with ward councillors and residents with most responses in favour of the proposed schemes.
Of the residents that responded to the new scheme close to Mellor Community Primary School proposals, 86 per cent were in favour of the plans, with 69 per cent of respondents supporting the proposals for the roads close to Herrick Primary School.
Cllr Geoff Whittle, assistant city mayor for environment and transport, said: “We’ve listened to ward councillors and residents to ensure that these latest two 20mph zones are the best fit for these busy neighbourhoods.
“It’s the latest phase of a rolling programme that has seen improvements made in communities across the city to help make residential streets safer for everyone to use.
"Lower traffic speeds greatly reduce the risk and severity of traffic collisions, help reduce noise and anti-social driving, and can encourage people to feel more confident about walking or cycling in their neighbourhoods."
The total estimated cost of the introducing the two new zones is £170,000 and will be funded from the council’s transport improvement works budget.
Implementation of the schemes is expected to be later this year.