20mph speed limit for Durley lane, Keynsham

A NEW 20mph speed limit is being imposed along Durley Lane in Keynsham, despite opposition from residents.

The new limit starts from the lane’s junction with Durley Hill and extends north for about 530 metres, beyond the Keynsham Bypass. The previous limit was 60mph.

The traffic order proposed by Bath & North East Somerset Council received eight objections and no comments in support.

Several people commented that the proposal did not address the real problems in the lane. These included numerous potholes, the use of a passing place for residents’ private parking, and overgrown verges that narrowed the lane by up to 4ft in some places.

They also complained that the speed limit map produced by B&NES Council included areas of private land that could not be subject to speed regulation.

A council officer responded that the map had since been corrected to cover only the public highway. Concerns about vegetation and potholes had been reported to the relevant council departments. The request for ‘no waiting at any time’ parking restriction at passing places would be included in a future review of parking restrictions in the area.

The officer said: “Whilst it is recognised that the benefits of a 20mph speed limit on Durley Lane might not be immediately apparent, it is important to remember that many rural areas and roads of this nature have the potential to be attractive for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly for leisure activities.

“It is not unreasonable, therefore, for pedestrians and cyclists to have greater confidence that vehicle speeds will be appropriate for the road on which they are walking, wheeling, or cycling.
“In the event of a collision, a lower speed limit is also likely to lessen the severity of any potential injuries to those who are involved, which aligns with the council’s road safety policies.”

Although the new 20mph speed limit was due to come into operation on February 2, speed limit signs had not been installed at the junction with Durley Hill by that date. B&NES Council said its contractor would install signage as soon as possible.