Today (Tuesday, 23 July), Huntingdon 20mph zones were discussed and approved by a majority at the Highways and Transport Committee.
This means that speeds on most residential streets will now become 20mph and most of the main through routes and industrial areas will remain at their existing speed limits.
Councillors reviewed the consultation feedback, listened to some of the County Councillors for Huntingdon and heard from Huntingdon Town Council.
The decision was discussed at the Highways and Transport Committee after there was an error in considering the feedback received and following issues around the delegated decision-making process.
Cllr Alex Beckett, chair of the Highways and Transport Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “Due to the responses that were omitted and councillors being unable to unanimously come to a decision, I wanted to discuss the 20mph zone for Huntingdon at committee.
“We had a good debate today and it was helpful to hear from residents, councillors and Huntingdon Town Council, which is why I’ve asked for a report to come back to committee in two years on the effectiveness of 20mph schemes, including this scheme for Huntingdon.
“Studies have shown even a 1mph drop in speed reduces collisions by 6 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.
“In areas where lower speed limits are introduced, people also become more confident to go out walking and cycling, or use other forms of non-motorised transport.
“Following the tragic death of Mike Gough and having recently attended his vigil, I believe 20mph in parts of Huntingdon is the right decision and I look forward to seeing residents benefitting from safer travel and cleaner air too, which will help create a greener Cambridgeshire for everyone.”
The work to introduce 20mph zones will begin in the autumn.
The Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) procedure is a statutory consultation process. The consultation period for a 20mph speed limit on residential roads in Huntingdon began on 17 January and ran until 8 February. On street notices were displayed across the town, the consultation was promoted online, and a notice was published in the Hunts Post. A delegated decision meeting was held with Huntingdon County Councillors on 18 March 2024.
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, provided via the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.