Not convinced about blanket 20mph scheme

I recognise that when installed on well considered roads that a 20mph speed limit can be a good idea and an accident reduction measure.

I personally believe that a well considered and supported village centre scheme like the Haddenham centre one is a positive feature.

Almost everybody I have spoken with appreciates that a 20mph limit  outside schools and places where there are gatherings of pedestrians (particularly the elderly and children) will benefit the area when the traffic is slower.

Most communities have areas where the danger could be reduced by a lower speed traffic flow.

But, I am not convinced that a blanket imposition of a 20mph scheme by a single council officer after consultation with on or two local county councillors without proper public consultation and agreement of the public is the way to go.

I have lived at the same address on a main road in Ely for over 37 years and I had heard nothing about the Ely scheme until the Star Chamber had finalised its dirty work in practical secret.

The Lib Dem led joint administration at the county council claim that support from half of 1 per cent in Ely is enough of a mandate to install an Ely wide scheme! That's one in 200!

In Soham (a town of about 9,000) a survey had six replies, three were anti the 20mph limit, two did not know and one was in favour!   

Myself and Cllr Mark Goldsack were able to delay the proposed imposition and said we would review our stance once a proper review was carried out together with a full and proper public consultation.

In matters like this, I believe the public is Boss.

 If there is funding for this type of scheme, why not repair a few more potholes.

I may support these schemes but I am convinced that they should only be installed when:

There has been a comprehensive evidence-based study by officers

Comprehensive local, balanced consultations which fully explain the options and actions that have been explored

The decision is taken in a meeting that the public can attend

There is a clear meaningful majority in favour

Bill Hunt

County Member Soham South and Haddenham.

 

20MPH speed limit is step too far

As a daily user of roads in and around Ely I feel, almost duty bound, to complain about the imposition of the 20 mph Zone within Ely.

1. Have all residents been advised?
2. When does it come into practice?
3. With vehicles now travelling more slowly through the city, therefore taking longer to complete journeys, will there actually be a significant reduction in CO2 emissions?
4. How many speed related accidents have there been within the city boundaries in the last 10 years to justify this measure.
5. How much is the cost to residents of the implementation of the scheme.
6. Our Police force is, at best, stretched - will they be able to find time to impose the restrictions.
7. Parking enforcement is not controlled although this far and away the worst problem facing Ely residents.
8. I see today the Government is to guide Councils to prevent such ridiculous schemes (sadly, as is the case here, after the horse has bolted ) being implemented.
9. I have no idea which Political Party is behind the 20 mph zone but whichever they are I believe they are totally out of touch with the views of the residents of Ely.
10. Finally, Ely had a population of 19,189 at the last census in 2021 - how many residents have expressed their need for a 20mph zone? 


Sorry but this is a step too far.


Tony Winchester