20's Plenty for York

Sat 14 May

20 mph road speeds are a quality of life issue, not one of politics or ideology. Elsewhere in the UK elected members of all the parties have supported road speed reduction. Somehow in York (don’t ask me how, because I don’t know) it became a political issue.

The good news - In recent Council elections Labour won the majority of seats. I’m elected as a Labour Councillor for Dringhouses and Woodthorpe. 20 mph speeds for residential roads is in the manifesto – see http://www.yorklabour.org.uk/policy/manifesto.php

The City of York Council road safety officer Trish Hirst is attending the 20’s Plenty conference in Warrington next Tuesday

People are already asking me
• Does the Labour policy include villages?
• When will it happen?
• Will there be further consultation?
• Will roads that the Lib Dem consultation left out of 20mph like Broadway be included in the Labour plan?

I don’t know. All these questions are better directed to Dave Merrett, new Exec Member for City Strategy cllr.dmerrett@york.gov.uk or James Alexander, new Council Leader cllr.jalexander@york.gov.uk  (Steve Galloway is no longer a councillor)

What to do next - Now is the best possible time to contact the people above and ask for the swift introduction of Total 20. Please email them asap.

Also, continue writing to the press in support please letters@thepress.co.uk

Also, I need more people to speak at meetings on 20’s Plenty or run the campaign since I am now a councillor, please offer. Our campaign is winning support. Anna

Tues 1 March, Fishergate is agreed as 20mph limit outside two primary schools.
The 20mph speed limit is to be put in along a stretch of one of York's busiest roads, which passes Fishergate and St George's RC Schools.

Tuesday 1 Mar Lib Dem Executive Ignore Cross Party Advice on 20 mph Limits
For the second time, Lib Dem Exec Leaders ignored York people and a cross party panel of councillors who believe 20 mph limits for residential areas would improve quality of life.
An autumn survey found 76% of residents want 20 mph limits. Response rates were low, but this was a feature of the survey was constructed, without a freepost envelope.
Twice Scrutiny Committee have voted that Stephen Galloway’s decision not to introduce default 20 mph limits without humps to be incorrect.
The Council haven’t released details of the Grange Garth 20 mph pilot area resident’s satisfaction survey. Why not? Because people are happy with it!
Steve Galloway says local wards can agree 20 mph limits through Ward Committees, but they will be unable to afford them and a piecemeal, patchwork approach is unsatisfactory at changing the hearts and minds of drivers towards speed.
There is little democracy in this city and too much power in the hands of a few when The Lib Dem Exec won’t listen to York People or a cross party panel of councillors. Roll on May when a different political culture will hopefully exist in York.

Monday 28 Feb Labour successfully called in Cllr Galloway's decision not to have a residential 20 mph limit

Tues 15 March 2pm when LTP3 is going to Exec Committee

Labour may call a special full council meeting to check on the contents of LTP3 before it goes to the Government on 30 March.

The cost of road casualties and damage to property in suburban York for the 15 years of the LTP has been calculated at £441million. 20 mph limits could save 22% of that or £97m for a one off cost of £0.5 million.

Anna Semlyen

20’s Plenty for Us Campaign Manager and 20's Plenty for York coordinator
T: 07572 120439 e: Anna.s@20splentyforus.org.uk