Action to get drivers to slash speeds by lowering speed limits appears to have helped cut accident numbers.
Since 2012 more than 1,300 residential streets across Middlesbrough have had speed limits cut from 30mph to 20mph.
Middlesbrough Council has now revealed that the number of recorded collisions on roads with 20mph zones has dropped 7% during the first 14 months.
However the authority has admitted that collisions across the wider borough have also fallen 7%.
And council chiefs also say motorists have failed to slow down as much as had been hoped.
View gallery Middlesbrough 20mph zones
View gallery The authority has released the findings of a review of the £140,000 scheme, which included gateway entry 20mph signs, road markings and speed limit repeater signs.
The aim was intended to “change the mindset of drivers so that 20mph would be seen as the maximum speed on residential roads,” the review said.
The report, by the regeneration and economic scrutiny panel, said: “Initial results show a reduction in accidents and speeds across the 20mph area.
“While this is encouraging, the panel was advised that further monitoring will be needed for at least another year.”
Speeds fell at 21 out of 23 sites surveyed, with a maximum fall of 5.9mph.
“A typical pattern was speeds falling from the high 20s to the low 20mph,” the report added.
The scheme is cheaper than physical measures like speed humps without the associated unpopularity, say council chiefs.
Speed cameras are not currently used to enforce the limits but could be used as a further deterrent if residents feel motorists are flouting the 20mph limit.
Residents have helped to monitor speeds under the Community Speedwatch project. Warning letters are sent to drivers caught going above 23mph.
Middlesbrough Council's Executive member for transport, Cllr Nicky Walker, said: “Speeds haven’t reduced as much as we would like but are lower than before and less than 30mph. Further measures will be looked at to further reduce speeds. It may be that as the speed limit has been reduced, motorists are reducing their speed but not by a full 10mph meaning they are now slightly exceeding the speed limit.
“The aim of speed reduction with associated benefits, however, has been achieved.
“Even where casualties do occur, the resulting injury at lower speeds will invariably be less.”
Hundreds of Middlesbrough streets changed to 20mph roads in the past two years - but some residents say it’s failing to make a difference.
The Gazette went to Marton and Acklam, to ask locals their views.
Len and Cath Dargue, of Trimdon Avenue, were surprised to see a speed monitor put outside their home last year.
“We weren’t even told this was being put here, then when we asked about it, we were told it was only a temporary measure to monitor speed,” said Mr Dargue who has lived on the road for 47 years.
“It’s been no good at all, no one even takes notice of it. Although we agree that it should be a 20 limit, the only way it is going to work is if it is enforced. It’s nothing but an expensive ornament at the moment.”
John and Anne Swain, who live on Wellspring Close, walk regularly on Trimdon Avenue. They say the 20mph limit has no effect on the main road.
“Initially we thought the 20mph introduction was crazy,” said Mr Swain, 60.
“It’s always been a busy road, especially at the school and shops, but what is the point in bringing in a 20mph limit if it isn’t going to be enforced?”
Mrs Swain, 58, said she has seen drivers reach at least 40mph. “I think it if was 30mph people would stick to it,” she said.
“It is difficult to maintain a speed of 20mph. I am always conscious of sticking to the limit when cars are behind me; I feel I have virtually stopped when driving at 20mph and it seems to make the traffic worse. The balance is totally wrong, even if they timed it for certain times of the day then it would work better.”
Marton resident Philomena Ruddock, 64, who lives on Normanby Court, said she feels she “is always looking behind her” when walking down Gunnergate Lane because of speeding drivers.
“The 20mph limit has its advantages but I have got to say no one sticks to it,” Miss Ruddock said.
“It’s all right the council setting up these fancy cameras along the roads but what is the point in them being there if they are just ignored?
“When I walk down Gunnergate to catch the bus I feel nervous because of how tight the road is, and the speed of cars on top of that. It can get dangerous.
“They would have been better keeping it at 30mph, at least people know that is a safe speed to drive at.”
