Close to two thousand people have signed a petition calling on Cambridgeshire County Council to "reconsider" Ely's 20mph zone. 

Paid for by the Transforming Cities Fund, work to install the changes began in February.

It is hoped the project will improve road safety and reduce pollution. 

The petition, signed by 1,812 people so far, was created by East Cambridgeshire District Council leader Anna Bailey in April. 

It read: "We, the undersigned, support 20mph speed limits in places such as outside schools and in high pedestrian areas, where the evidence shows it is needed and will improve road safety.

"We do not support the use of blanket 20mph zones like that imposed in Ely in March 2024, where the consultation was poorly executed, and where thousands of people that stood to be affected were unaware of the proposal and wide community support was not demonstrated.

"We call on Cambridgeshire County Council to reconsider the locations for 20mph speed limits in Ely, taking into account new Government guidance and to properly evidence its proposals.

"This should also take into consideration whether and what type of on road engineering solutions are required in locations proposed for 20mph speed limits to secure maximum possible compliance."

During the consultation, a total of 195 responses were received. 122 people were in support of the proposals, while 65 objected and eight remained neutral.

In March, Ely City Council issued a statement to restate its views on the city’s 20MPH zone.

It said: “On behalf of City of Ely Council, we are proud to restate the council's commitment to its support for 20mph for Ely.

“The City of Ely Council looks forward to work starting on the installation of signs and street furniture to implement 20mph for Ely.”

There continues to be a mixed response to the speed limit among residents. 

Posting in the Facebook group Love Ely, one user said: "People who speed will continue to speed and pose a danger to children, because reducing the speed limit with no enforcement in place is pointless.

Another resident added: "With the condition of the roads, it is impossible to drive faster. It would be more valuable to start a petition for new road surfaces throughout Ely.

Chair of the highways and transport committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, Cllr Alex Beckett, said: “Speed kills. Studies have shown even a 1mph drop in speed reduces collisions by six per cent.

"Reducing speed limits from 30mph to 20mph can cut pollution by 30 per cent and reduce the chance of a severe or fatal injury in the event of a collision by a staggering 60 per cent.

"This is why it’s important we continue to create more 20mph areas. 

“I’m pleased to hear 20mph will soon be rolled out in Ely and see the residents benefitting from cleaner air and safer travel, both of which are a priority for the council.”