A unique 13-year-old road law in the Black Country was witnessed being broken instantly during a recent visit, raising questions about its effectiveness and enforcement. Drivers travelling in this part of West Bromwich are restricted by a lowered speed limit implemented back in 2013, yet compliance appears inconsistent.
The Unusual Speed Limit in West Bromwich
While most roads in the West Midlands adhere to standard speed limits—70mph on motorways and dual carriageways, 60mph on A-roads, and 30mph on residential streets—one area stands out with a more stringent rule. A number of roads in West Bromwich, including Dudley Street, Claypit Lane, Butler Street, Coppice Street, and Jervoise Street, have been subject to a 20mph speed limit for over a decade.
Context of 20mph Limits
The concept of 20mph speed limits has gained traction in recent years, notably due to high-profile changes in Wales. The Welsh government introduced a default 20mph limit on restricted roads in 2023, though it was later scaled back after public backlash, allowing councils to revert to 30mph on certain routes. In England, such limits are less common but do exist, with several roads in Birmingham city centre, such as The Priory Queensway and Dale End, also featuring them.
Immediate Violation Observed
During a visit to the estate this month, the speed limit was broken within seconds of arriving on Coppice Street. A souped-up car with a loud exhaust was seen speeding up the road, blatantly disregarding the lowered limit. A local resident, standing outside a house having a cigarette, commented, "They speed around here quite a lot, especially at night time." However, not all residents were willing to discuss the issue, with one woman simply replying, "Sorry, I can't help you."
Additional Road Concerns
Nearby, other road issues were apparent, with two sets of yellow cones left near the pavement. Although the reason for this was unclear, it is sometimes done to reserve parking spaces, indicating potential parking disputes or maintenance needs in the area.
Purpose and Implementation of the Speed Limit
The 20mph speed limits in West Bromwich were introduced in 2013 as part of wider traffic calming measures aimed at improving road safety near George Salter Academy and Ryders Green Primary School. Cllr Keith Allcock, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for environment and highways, explained, "This speed limit was introduced to reduce speeds and improve road safety. People in Sandwell have told us they are concerned about road safety, and lowering speed limits can significantly reduce the severity and frequency of collisions."
Council's Road Safety Efforts
Sandwell Council consults residents and businesses on speed limit proposals and advertises all 20mph limits before implementation. For example, new signs are currently being installed around Darby Street and Beeches Road in Blackheath in response to resident requests, complementing the existing limit in Blackheath town centre. Over the past 25 years, Sandwell has halved the number of casualties on its roads, including a 60% reduction in child casualties, through targeted engineering, education, and police enforcement.
Future Investments and Programmes
The council has recently announced a new Community Road Safety Concern Programme, with £3.4 million of investment at over 40 sites across Sandwell. This programme, responding to issues raised by residents, councillors, and MPs, includes additional 20mph zones, traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, and speed cushions, with the first works expected on site from January 2026. Cllr Allcock emphasized, "Road safety is a top priority," underscoring the ongoing commitment to improving safety measures in the region.
