Work is due to begin on new 20mph zones on more than 1,700 roads across Wirral.
The changing of speed limits across 15 zones in the borough were approved by Wirral Council’s Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport committee last month.
The zones are the first phase of plans to amend 52 areas throughout Wirral with councillors saying lower speed limits would save lives and reduce collisions.
READ MORE: Firm told to remove controversial car park CCTV cameras as people fined daily
Works to install signs and road markings are to begin in Spring and carry on into the summer. Police will then enforce these speed limits with the new signs and road markings informing people of the new rules.
Speed limits will be changed in parts of Wallasey, New Brighton, Bromborough, Prenton, Birkenhead, New Ferry, West Kirby, Caldy, Spital, Eastham, Claughton, Rock Ferry, Oxton, Seacombe, Woodchurch, Leasowe, Bebington, Port Sunlight, Gayton, and Heswall.
Main A and B roads will not be affected by the changes unless part of it runs through residential areas or near schools, hospitals, shopping centres and leisure facilities.
The plans are expected to cost £350,000 with the money coming from the Liverpool City Region. The city region aims to have zero road traffic collisions by 2040.
A public consultation heard from a small number of the public who were opposed to every zone and councillors were disappointed by a lack of engagement from the public.
Councillors still went ahead with the plans pointing to data showing a 22% reduction in collisions in Cheshire after similar plans were introduced and arguing there was a “difference between being hit by a car at 30 miles per hour and being hit by a car at 20 miles per hour.”
Committee chair Cllr Liz Grey, said: “Introducing more 20mph speed limits in predominantly residential, retail, or educational areas is one of the priorities identified by Wirral’s Road Safety Working Group.
“They encourage more considerate driving, leading to safer streets for all road users, including cyclists and pedestrians. Calmer road speeds also help to make walking and cycling more attractive options, leading to less traffic congestion, less noise and a healthier population.”
Speeding fines generated on the new 20mph roads will go to the UK government and fund speed awareness courses.
Plans for the remaining 37 zones are expected to be proposed at future dates in two more stages.
A full list of all the roads affected can be found here.
READ NEXT
Every word judge said to lying mum Janette Mercer
Restaurant's plea after couple walk out without paying breakfast bill
Liverpool Council owed millions by firm operating M&S Bank Arena
Shooting plot unravelled after gang member crashed motorbike as he made getaway
Beyoncé general sale tickets at Ticketmaster and Live Nation for Renaissance tour UK 2023