Reading presses on with unlit 20mph

Reading Borough Council is pressing ahead with implementing an area-wide 20mph limit without illuminated signage, despite the law currently requiring illumination.

Powers to install 20mph limits without illumination of the signs are expected to be included in the updated Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD). These had been expected to be laid before Parliament last year but are not now expected until later this year.

Reading Council has placed its plans for 20mph signed-only limits in east Reading on hold for 18 months, awaiting the new TSRGD to come into force. However, the two-year deadline for implementing the advertised Traffic Regulation Order will be reached in May and the cost of re-advertising it would be £8,000. 

Reading estimates that the 20mph scheme can be implemented for just £35,000 without illumination; £100,000 with solar-powered illumination; or £180,000-£200,000 with illumination provided by mains electricity. 

“We are legally required to continue to use the 2002 version of the regulations [TSRGD] until a new version comes into force,” Simon Beasley, Reading’s network and parking services manager, told councillors. “If the new version of the TSRGD is not available by May we will have to re-take the decision to introduce 20mph in east Reading and possibly re-advertise the restriction.” 

Councillors approved the officer recommendation that the  scheme is implemented before May without illumination.