20mph zone questionnaire
From the end of May until the 8th of July, you’ve had the opportunity to express your views on the Parish Council Plan to request from Cheshire East Council a 20mph zone that covers the whole residential area of Bunbury (the Plan).
The results are now in, and the first point to make is that a lot of us did exactly that, and 270, either online or by returning a paper copy of the questionnaire, made their contribution to shaping the life we live in Bunbury. As surveys and polls go, that is a good response. It is essential because it tells us that the issue is important and residents took the survey seriously. In doing so, our case in requesting the 20mph from Cheshire Council, is stronger.
These are the basic results from the survey:
Note: I have ‘rounded’ the percentages on the pie charts so they may not add to 100% in all cases.
1. Would the 20mph zone encourage you to be more active (walk, cycle, ride, push prams, use wheelchairs, etc.)?
One of the points that Cheshire East will consider in evaluating the plan is if the zone would make a difference to the physical activity levels, i.e. encourage more walking cycling etc. People getting out and about the village without taking the car. The results show this is what we could expect from the introduction of the 20 mph Zone. A significant 72% expect to be more active as a result of slower traffic speed.
Initial analysis:
Of the 36% (96) (Not at all + Not very likely sectors) who wouldn’t increase activity, 31 supported the plan. They were already active walkers and didn’t expect to do more.
2. Are there reasons that limit you from active ways of getting around?
The main issues were seen as:
(a) The lack or narrowness of pavements/footpaths (70) comments)
(b) Speed of traffic (perception of safety) (58) comments)
(c) Parking (inconsiderate/on pavement) (46) comments)
(d) Hedges (restricting pavement/footpath) (16) comments)
3. Evaluation of the 20mph zone as shown on the map:
4. Would the 20mph zone make (active) travel to and from the school or Medical Centre safer
This question focuses on getting to two key village facilities. It is a specific ‘test’ for the plan by asking if it would be seen as helping. While the balance between ‘Much safer and A little more safe’ moves a little toward a smaller impact, the overall result is an emphatic 84% belief that it would improve the safety of active travel.
The higher numbers in the ‘Don’t Know/Not Sure sectors may reflect a group that does not go to either facility.
5. This question repeats Q1 (apologies) as to whether you would increase activity in response to the 20mph zone. See Q1.
6. For Parents: Would the scheme make you more inclined to let your child out on their own
Note: 120 identified as Parents or careers
The use of the phrase ‘Home Range’ is used in this context as indicating the area where children feel able or are allowed to move independently. It is noted in research that the home range has fallen over the years (ref.1) Some submissions indicated they do allow their child(ren) out already.
As research has shown before (see below), one of the major factors inhibiting the ‘home range’ is the level of traffic. “Indeed parental fear of traffic accidents coupled with the changing availability of streets as a play space can result in children being taken in a car to a play space further away (Tandy, 1999; Karsten, 2005)
Ref 1Woolley.H.E et al. (2015 The University of Sheffield. Decreasing experience of home range, outdoor spaces activities and companions: changes across three generations in Sheffield in North England)
The results clearly show that Parents/Carers would feel more inclined to allow their child(ren) to be more independent where traffic speeds are lower.
Note: 57 submissions
A clear expectation among young people that it would indeed feel safer if the speed of traffic was reduced to 20mph.
Conclusion:
After reviewing the data presented above, the Working Party on Traffic Management is justified in recommending to the Parish Council to proceed with requesting Cheshire East Council to implement the 20mph Zone as indicated on the map above.