The introduction of a reduced speed limit on a key road connecting Nottingham and West Bridgford is 'not being noticed' by motorists, according to residents. The new limit of 30mph has been brought in on a stretch of Radcliffe Road through the Lady Bay area.
Previously a 40mph section, the limit applies from the Meadow Lane junction just north of Lady Bay Bridge to its junction with Davies Road. Proposals were put forward in October last year and are designed to reduce the traffic speeds on the approach to junctions and improve road safety, according to Nottinghamshire County Council.
The revised limit is now being enforced, with signage being placed at several spots such as its junction with Meadow Lane and Trevelyan Road. However residents along Radcliffe Road and its side streets feel the change has not been well advertised, saying many motorists are "just not aware".
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Dennis Sipovics, an accountant who lives on the street, said the reduction was a "good idea" but more warning was needed. "It probably needs some cameras," said the 29-year-old. "People just aren't aware. I've not had much trouble driving but it's not been too bad."
When speaking to Nottinghamshire Live, Charlie Ma, a 47-year-old lecturer who lives in Newhall Grove, did not realise the change had come into effect.
"They need to reduce it as it's too dangerous," he said. "If you want to turn right and left or come back to turn in it's very difficult. 30mph is much safer. It definitely needs to take place.
"It will take three more seconds to travel but it will improve safety and security. It's not safe at all, it causes a lot of trouble. It's very dangerous, [the reduction] will save lives."
Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "I don't think anyone's noticing, usually they put more signs up. It's definitely needed as we've had a couple of accidents around here. There was one about six months ago where someone crashed into a house and another one last summer.
"It's also a right pain turning in and out of the road. I've always thought 40mph was a bit too much, and there's a lot going quicker than that. I don't think it's been well advertised."
Amelia Cornel, a 31-year-old analyst who lives on Radcliffe Road, added: "No-one knows about it really. I don't think people will stick to it unless there are cameras."
Gary Wood, Head of Highways and Transport, said: “The new 30mph speed limit on sections of the A6011 Radcliffe Road, A6520 Radcliffe Road and on Lady Bay Bridge will help to reduce the traffic speeds on the approach to traffic signals and junctions and improve road safety along these key routes.
“We have installed signage to advise of the speed limit change in-line with national legislation and the highway code, however we cannot install further signs as the law does not permit the use of 30mph repeater signs where streetlights are not more than 200 yards apart.
“As with all speed limits, we rely on road users driving appropriately and respectfully within the limit.
“Where speeding does occur, it is an enforceable offence and as such we advise residents to report this to Nottinghamshire Police.”
