Road safety and speeding
Only the police can enforce speed limits and issue penalties for speeding and dangerous driving, but we can help set speed limits, introduce traffic calming measures and provide safe junctions.
Keeping speed down
Speed is a significant factor in about one third of road traffic collisions. Speeding vehicles can affect the quality of life of many urban communities. We have introduced 20mph speed limits in many residential areas throughout Central Bedfordshire, making them safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicle drivers.
Changing speed limits
We receive many requests about speed related issues, in some cases this can result in a review of the speed limit. Our Speed Management Guidance (Word) sets out how speed limits are decided and when they may be amended. If a change in the speed limit is agreed then a new speed limit order is made. This statutory legal process takes approximately 9 months to complete.
Speeding complaints
The enforcement of speed limits is the responsibility of the police. If you think vehicles are travelling in excess of the permitted speed limit on a regular basis, please contact Bedfordshire Police on the non-urgent number of 101.
Although only the police can enforce the speed limit, the public can also get involved in helping raise awareness of speeding through the Community Speedwatch programme.
Traffic calming
We receive many requests for traffic calming measures which far outweigh the limited funding available for these schemes. Our funds are targeted at areas with a history of speed-related collisions and measures will only be introduced at locations where there is an identifiable problem (that is, a trend in collisions) and will be chosen based on the likelihood of road safety improvements.
Unfortunately, since the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown measures began, increased speeding by some individuals has been observed across the whole country. Lower traffic volumes have sadly led to increased levels of speed limit disobedience. Empty roads should not be an excuse to drive dangerously.
If speeding remains a problem once the traffic conditions return to near normal, any traffic calming proposals can be assessed on whether there is a proven road safety issue with the support of your local councillor (find your councillor) and town or parish council. At this time, we are only reviewing critical safety issues.
To report a critical safety issue, please call us on 0300 300 8049 or email customers@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.