THERE are new calls for a pause in the roll-out of 20mph zones on Wirral, following updated guidance from the Department for Transport.

In October 2023, Conservative Councillors had called for a pause in the rollout of the plans, following concerns from residents and road users that a ‘blanket’ rollout could lead to less attention to known crash hotspots.

In January, the council confirmed 949 roads in Wirral will change to 20mph this year in the second phase of a road safety scheme.

The authority moved ahead with the new limits at an environment and transport committee meeting on December 5. This was despite an overwhelmingly negative response in a public consultation, a petition signed by 7,000, and a number of protests on the issue.

The 20mph limits are being brought in as part of a wider programme to reduce the number of casualties and deaths on Wirral's roads and make roads in residential areas safer for children and families.

According to figures, five people were killed on the roads in 2022 and over the last six years, 27 have been killed and 590 seriously injured.

On Sunday, and following consultation by the Department for Transport, revised guidance was issued, stating local councils should only use 20mph limits in sensible and appropriate areas such as outside schools, and where safety and local support is at the heart of the decision.

Councillor Jeff Green, Leader of Wirral’s Conservative councillors, said: “We asked in October for a pause, to enable proper evaluation to see if the schemes so far were working.

"We also said there should be much better consultation with residents and road users.

"Sadly, Labour councillors voted then to block our proposal.

“However, following similar issues elsewhere in the country, I am delighted the Transport Secretary has now stepped in and that revised guidance has been issued to all councils.

“In light of this, it is now essential that Wirral Council does not, once again, find itself on the wrong side of the argument.

"I will be asking for an urgent report on the steps that Wirral must now take to follow this new guidance.

“In the meantime, I also repeat our call for the current rollout on residential roads to be paused and for resources to focus on known crash hotspots and around schools instead.”

Transport Secretary Mark Harper MP added: “We want local people to have their voices heard, and any traffic schemes to have the consent of those they impact.

“Well thought out schemes, like 20mph limits outside schools, can make our roads safer, but we are raising the bar to help ensure all traffic schemes work for everyone in the community."

Wirral Council has been approached for comment.

Read more: All the roads that are set to become 20mph zones in Wirral this year