Village Set to Introduce 20mph Zone After Receiving Just One Objection

A new 20mph zone (32km/h) is scheduled for implementation in a village, following the formal submission of only one objection against the proposal. Cambridgeshire County Council conducted a consultation to gather public opinions on lowering the speed limit in Great Wilbraham. According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the objector questioned whether data supported the assertion that reducing speed limits to 20mph enhanced road safety. In response, the county council stated that higher speeds increased the risk of pedestrian fatalities and expressed its belief that a reduced speed limit would also encourage more people to walk and cycle. The plans for the 20mph zone are part of a broader initiative to decrease speed limits across the county. The council reported that no objections to the Great Wilbraham proposals were raised by the emergency services. The individual who objected stated that the restriction should not be applied to “random roads” without sufficient evidence. They added: “There is no data showing how many incidents there were on that road due to cars going more than 20mph.” Council officers acknowledged that it was “extremely difficult” to find data that would specifically identify someone travelling at over 20mph as being the primary factor in an accident. However, officers noted that the risk of a pedestrian fatality was three times higher when a vehicle was travelling at approximately 30 to 40mph. They said: “This is the predominant reason why 20mph speed limits are gaining popularity, not only in the UK, but in other parts of the world too.” They continued: “Additionally, slower speeds are less intimidating towards those who walk or cycle – activities that we need to encourage more of if we are to reduce the number of harmful emissions and traffic levels in the county.” It was also mentioned that the village features “significant bends” and narrow paths, in addition to a school and nursery, which the county council stated would “benefit from slower overall traffic speeds.”