20mph limit may extend to High Street

A 20MPH speed limit could be introduced in Portishead High Street to slow down traffic racing through the town centre.

North Somerset Council is considering introducing the new limit as part of a programme of improvements to the High Street, due to get under way next month.

Council leaders have been calling for a reduction in the speed limit – which is 30mph – for several months.

A 20mph limit was introduced in the Cabstand and in part of Harbour Road last September as part of the trial to turn off the traffic signals.

And because it has proved successful in reducing the speed of traffic, councillors are now considering extending it right along the High Street.

The new speed limit, if agreed, will run from the Cabstand to the mini-roundabout at Brampton Way.

Town leaders say a reduction in the speed limit is needed as the town’s population continues to grow and new stores set up business in the town.

Portishead councillor David Pasley put forward the idea of a 20mph speed limit when he was chairman of the town council last year.

Mr Pasley said: “The 20mph speed limit at the Cabstand has gone some way towards slowing down the traffic in that area of the town.

“There is a problem with motorists driving too fast through the town centre and I understand that only the other week there was an accident.

“The town is growing in size and that is bringing with it an increase in the number of pedestrians in the High Street.

“I put the idea of reducing the speed limit from 30mph to 20mph forward last year and I think it would be a sensible move forward to extend the current one to run right along the High Street.”

Plans to introduce the new limit are now being consulted on and it is likely it will be introduced following the completion of a £200,000 project to resurface the High Street and improve the drains.

The High Street will close to all traffic during the October school holidays for the work to be carried out.

Plans to resurface the High Street have been in preparation for a couple of years, but have been held up because work first needs to be carried out to some of the drains.

Highways bosses say they will try and keep any road closure to a minimum, but have admitted it will be necessary to shut the busy route completely.

The final details of the work are still being decided and diversions will be put in place throughout any road closure.

Traders have voiced concerns that the closure of the High Street, even for a couple of days, could have a detrimental impact on business.