Transport minister, Norman Baker announced plans to make it easier for local authorities, and, yes, this means Camden, to introduce 20mph schemes.  The plans also include decluttering traffic signs.

'I can today announce that when the House returns next month, I will be laying before Parliament a new Traffic Signs policy document. This will cut pointless form-filling by streamlining Traffic Regulation Orders, cutting time and saving money.' The Traffic Signs review will also end the need for Whitehall approval for special authorisations for a whole range of signs, so councils will for example be able to erect No Entry Except Cyclists signs without having to ask Whitehall first.

I am also making it easier for councils who want to introduce 20mph schemes. They will, for example, henceforth be able to use painted roundels on the road surface rather than lamppost after lamppost of repeater signs. And the decluttering agenda will also be helped in many ways, particularly by significant changes to the requirements for parking signage'.

Now could be a good time to let your local councillors and Camden officers know where you'd like 20mph and which traffic signs you'd like removed.  Oh, and don't forget to ask how they plan to enforce the 20mph limit – because the police feel that 20mph isn't the job of the cops to enforce, they say it should be done by 'physical measures".

Want to read Normal Baker's entire speech?  Really?  OK then, click this link.

http://www.epolitix.com/latestnews/article-detail/newsarticle/speech-in-full-norman-baker/