Success In Campaign to Make the M20 a Better Neighbour
March 15, 2010 4:52 PM
The long Lib Dem led campaign to tackle M20 noise and air pollution and regular motorway crash grid-lock in the County Town is now close to delivering its key aim. On Friday 12th March the Transport Minister approved and signed the Regulations and Explanatory Memorandum that will allow for the introduction of variable (reduced) mandatory speed limits on the M20 between J4-7.
The campaign began back in 2003 when Lib Dem Councillor Tony Harwood initiated and chaired a study into ways of making the M20 a better neighbour for Maidstone residents. Expert witnesses were called and evidence taken (including from local people at packed public meetings) which resulted in the high-profile publication of the influential report "Our Motorway Network: A Good Neighbour?". A key finding of the report was that the most practical means of slashing air and noise pollution and reducing the smashes that so frequently gridlocked Maidstone was to reduce speed limits on the motorway where it passes through the town. The report outlined how noise is measured on a logarithmic scale, which means that relatively small reductions in traffic speeds will result in big cuts in noise levels, with a cut in traffic speeds from the current 70/80 mph down to 50mph calculated to halve noise levels. Similarly, air pollution problems will recede as reduced vehicle speeds better reflect optimum fuel efficiency and cut emissions (the M20 corridor in Maidstone is currently a designed Air Quality Management Area because internationally agreed air pollution standards are exceeded).
The quality of evidence and research contained within the report ensured that Maidstone's bid to Government for variable speed limits was eventually successful and legislation was passed to allow "controlled motorway" status for the M20 in Maidstone - the first such example outside of the M25.
On hearing the news that the Transport Minister had signed the approval Cllr. Tony Harwood said: "Local people often feel powerless and without a voice in the face of Government, particularly when it comes to strategic infra-structure projects, but the success of this long campaign proves that when people are united, determined and well briefed they can win through".
The report "Our Motorway Network: A Good Neighbour?" can be accessed from the link below.
The variable speeds limits (Controlled Motorway) scheme is likely to go live in May and from that date many thousands of residents will be able to enjoy far greater tranquillity and will enjoy better air quality.
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