New applications for 20mph schemes were discussed at the Highways and Transport Committee today (Tuesday, 1 October).
Councillors agreed the new 20mph schemes will progress to the next stage in eight areas across the county from summer next year (2024/25).
The new schemes in Waterbeach, Stow-cum-Quy, Elm, Bottisham, Little Paxton, Earith, Swavesey and Steeple Morden were amongst 66 applications received countywide.
This year, 2023/24, there were 20 projects funded through the programme – two have been installed in Great Staughton and Great Abington, three are being delivered now, 13 are going through consultation and two are in design and will involve engagement with their communities.
Committee heard a further £150,000 has been allocated to the programme and all the applications were scored by officers then reviewed by a cross-party councillor working group.
Local authorities have been introducing 20mph speed limits across the country due to the recognised benefits and public support. By introducing 20mph speed limits the aim is to improve road safety, especially for walking and cycling, and reduce noise and pollution.
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.
Cllr Alex Beckett, chair of the Highways and Transport Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “It’s good to see the applications coming in from across the county, the process is popular and oversubscribed, which is why we have the scoring criteria and why more funding has been allocated.
“The council is committed to making better, safer and more sustainable journeys. Schemes like these 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 1/3.”
Following approval at committee, further informal consultation and statutory consultation will be carried out with the successful applicants and their respective communities before the final schemes are agreed.
There were six applications received for Cambridge City, but they’re not included due to the Cambridge wide 20mph project which has recently been out to public engagement.
The papers for the meeting, including a full list of the schemes, can be found on the council’s website here. The meeting was live streamed on the council’s YouTube channel
