The petition of residents of the constituency of Dartford

Declares that every pupil at Brent Primary School wants to feel safe when travelling to and from school and near local roads; further that the pupils would like the roads surrounding the school to be 20 mph instead of 30 mph and free from speeding traffic; further that this is an important issue to pupils as road crashes have had devastating effects on families and communities, including, sadly, a pupil of the school who lost her life due to a speeding, unsafe driver; and further notes that if road safety is improved, pupils will be more likely to walk and cycle to places and therefore live healthier lifestyles.

The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to take immediate action to change the speed limit surrounding Brent Primary school to 20mph, and introduce other speed reduction measures including speed cameras, speed bumps, posters and police checks so that the speed limit is adhered to.—[Presented by Gareth Johnson, Official Report, 6 February 2024; Vol. 745, c. 219.]

[P002901]

Observations from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Guy Opperman):

I was very sorry indeed to hear of the tragic death of a pupil of Brent Primary School due to a speeding, unsafe driver, and extend condolences to the family and the school.

The setting of local speed limits and introduction of other speed reduction measures is a matter for the local traffic authority, Kent County Council, which has the responsibility of making decisions about the roads under its care, based on its knowledge of the area and taking into account local needs and considerations. Enforcement of traffic offences is for the police.

The Department issues guidance to local traffic authorities that is designed to make sure that speed limits are appropriately and consistently set, while allowing for flexibility to deal with local circumstances. The guidance can be found online at www.gov.uk/government/publications/setting-local-speed-limits. This guidance is not mandatory and the final decision is for the authority, working with the police, who would carry out any enforcement.

Local authorities are free to make their own decisions about the streets under their care, provided they take account of the relevant legislation.