A recent speeding survey conducted on Slag Lane has determined that the road does not qualify for speed reduction measures, such as a Community Speed Watch operation or police enforcement.
Wiltshire Council carried out the survey following complaints from residents about speeding on Slag Lane.
The survey was carried out over a week-long period in April and according to the results, 1,495 vehicles (22.77%) travelling south on Slag Lane exceeded the speed limit of 30 mph and 159 vehicles (8.41%) travelling north exceeded the speed limit. The average 85th percentile speed, which represents the speed at or below which 85% of vehicles are travelling, was 32 mph for southbound traffic and 27.7 mph for northbound traffic.
Cllr Richard Clewer, leader of Wiltshire Council said, “The recent traffic survey at Slag Lane was carried out at the request of Westbury Town Council in response to residents’ concerns about speeding. The results demonstrate that the 30mph speed limit is well observed by motorists using the route, with 85% of motorists travelling at or below the speed limit.
“The police use the 85th percentile to identify where speed limits are in need of enforcement or other speed reduction measures. Slag Lane does not meet the criteria for a Community Speed Watch operation or police enforcement as the speeds are below the enforcement threshold.”
However, a 20mph speed limit will be introduced on the road following results of previous surveys of Slag Lane (full story, see front page)
Cllr Clewer said, “Previous surveys of Slag Lane found the average vehicle speed, which is the measurement used as part of determining an appropriate speed limit, met the criteria for the provision of a 20mph speed limit in accordance with Wiltshire Council policy.”
