Following yesterday’s (Tuesday) Highways and Transport Committee, more 20mph schemes have been approved across the county.
More than 80 applications were received from local communities. Following a rigorous ranking and assessment process, the top 20 schemes have been approved for delivery due to the available funding. Some of those areas include Cottenham, Fulbourn, Whittlesford, Girton, Willingham, Upwood and The Raveleys, Elton, Houghton and Wyton, Burwell and Wicken.
The additional 20mph schemes – to help improve road safety and reduce pollution – were approved by Councillors with no votes against and one abstention and will be rolled out after the winter period once the weather starts to improve.
The work involves installing signs, lines and markings and all schemes will be in place and completed by Autumn 2024.
Improving road safety through 20mph schemes is a priority of the Cambridgeshire County Council’s Joint Administration which has highlighted several benefits from the programme, including safer streets which allow residents to feel safe when walking or cycling and reduced noise and pollution.
Cllr Alex Beckett, Chair of the Highways and Transport Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “I’m really pleased to see how popular this bottom up 20mph application process is. The level of demand has been outstanding and whilst we can’t approve all schemes at this time due to funding, it’s brilliant to see so many taken forward.
“They are a proven way to improve road safety and reduce pollution. Studies show that even a 1mph reduction in mean speed can reduce accidents by 6% and 20mph zones can reduce casualties by 42% and drop pollution by a third. They are a priority for the Joint Administration, and we are committed to review and install more of them across the county.”
To date, 13 areas have seen 20mph zones created and installed through this new process, which is now in its second year.
A 20mph limit is prioritised against the following criteria:
- evidence of traffic incidents or potential dangers within an existing 30/40mph zone
- vulnerable road users
- visible homes, shops and businesses
- a school or a school route
- a cycling route
- an area that would benefit from more active travel such as cycling and walking.
Cambridgeshire County Council put in place a new process for communities to access additional funding to install more 20mph zones or limits. The scheme will reopen for new applications in January 2024 with any schemes which fell below the funding level for this year automatically entered.
Either a 20mph limit or a 20mph zone will be installed depending on the specific location. A 20mph limit typically covers individual or a small number of streets and requires signs only, whereas 20mph zones typically cover larger areas and require both signs and markings.
To find out more about 20mph schemes, and to submit an application visit: https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/20mph-funding
The papers for the 3 October meeting of the Highways and Transport Committee can be read on the council’s website.
A recording of the debate at the Highways and Transport Committee can be viewed here: Highways and Transport Committee - 3 October 2023 - YouTube
