Written question asked by Margaret Moran (Labour) on Monday, 12 January 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 14 January 2009. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Monday, 19 January 2009 on behalf of the Home Office.

Speed Limits: Enforcement

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance her Department provides to police forces on enforcement of 20 miles per hour zones.

Answer: The enforcement of any speed limit is an operational matter for the police, and the Department has not issued guidance in this area. We would however expect 20 mph zones to be largely self-enforcing through traffic calming measures.The decision to introduce a 20 mph zone and the installation of traffic calming measures are matters for individual local authorities. The Department for Transport issues guidance to local authorities on the factors to take into account in reaching such decisions, including the need to consult with the police and other interested parties.

Secondary information