A city wide 20mph zone for Ely has been approved following a consultation and a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) process.
Yesterday (Wednesday, 20 December), a meeting was held with local councillors where responses received during the consultation period were reviewed. It was agreed to install the 20mph speed limit zone with a minor amendment, to include the section outside Tesco and the train station. Furthermore, the decision about the installation of speed cushions was deferred.
The scheme was put forward by local councillors on behalf of the community in response to the County Council’s call for 20mph schemes. It is being funded by the Transforming Cities Fund and will be implemented by April 2024.
A consultation for the proposal of a 20mph speed limit for the whole of Ely started in July and, following an extension, the consultation period closed on 21 September.
The Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) procedure is a statutory consultation process, and 195 responses were received – 65 objected to the proposals, 122 were in support and eight were neutral. There was little support for the installation of speed cushions.
Cllr Piers Coutts, local councillor for Ely South at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “Cllr Whelan and I have heard from many residents about these plans, and we’re excited about the benefits these changes will bring to the lives of everyone in the city.
“It is clear from a variety of sources on the benefits in terms of improved road safety and reduced pollution. We look forward to the new speed limit being in place next year.”
Cllr Alex Beckett, chair of the Highways and Transport Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “Speed kills. Studies have shown even a 1mph drop in speed reduces collisions by 6%. Reducing speed limits from 30mph to 20mph can cut pollution by 30% and reduce the chance of a severe or fatal injury in the event of a collision by a staggering 60%. 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.”
You can find the decision report on our website – Council and committee meetings - Cambridgeshire County Council > Meetings (cmis.uk.com)
More 20mph schemes were approved across the county in October, read more Further 20mph Schemes Approved - Cambridgeshire County Council
