Almost half of Manchester could soon be under 20mph speed limits thanks to new plans put forward by the city council.
Proposals that could see hundreds more residential streets receiving the lower speed limits were welcomed with ‘delight’ from campaigners.
The vision would connect two pre-existing 20mph zones established earlier this year, applying the limit to much of central, east and some parts of south Manchester. The plans are designed to boost levels of local health by encouraging more cycling and walking.
Cllr Lutfur Rahman, Manchester City Council’s lead member for 20mph areas, said: ‘We’ve been talking to people across the city and found huge support for this scheme, particularly from parents and schools who really wanted us to create reduced limits in their areas.
‘Other residents have been calling for reduced limits in their areas, and it’s brilliant news that we’ve now got access to more funding meaning other neighbourhoods will benefit.’
Responding to the news, Rod King, founder and campaign director for 20’s Plenty for Us said: ‘We are delighted that Manchester City Council is joining the growing list of our iconic cities who are rejecting the national 30mph speed limit as being not ‘fit for purpose’ for their residential streets.
‘Already 13m people or 20% of the population live in places like Manchester where they are reducing limits and vehicle speed to make their places better places to be. And of course cycling and active travel is one of the biggest winners from this initiative.’
