Work on city-wide 20mph scheme in Ely set to start
The works are meant to last for around four weeks
Work is starting today on turning the whole of Ely into a 20mph speed zone.
The speed limit, which was already operating in parts of the city, will now expand after councillors requested the scheme on behalf of the local community.
Councillors agreed to install the 20mph speed limit zone after a meeting in December where the public's views were reviewed and work on the expansion is due to take around four weeks to complete.
A consultation on the expansion, which ran between July and September last year, saw 122 people in favour with 65 against and 8 were neutral.
The scheme was then put forward by councillors and is being funded by the Transforming Cities Fund.
"Once you're in the suburbs, I don't think there's any need"
Keith Philpot's a motorcyclist trainer in Cambridgeshire:
"In town and city centres, yes, even in village centres I understand that, but once you're a little further out into the suburbs, I don't think there's any need to restrict the limit below 30," he said.
"I think a 20mph speed limit in high congestion areas or narrow roads in the middle of towns is not a bad thing.
"There's no real way of knowing how successful this scheme will be or won't be in the long-term, but I think it's something the powers that be have decided to do, and we're all going to have to live with it."
What does a 20mph scheme aim to achieve?
The county council hopes the 20mph speed limit will improve safety and encourage more people to walk and cycle rather than using a car for shorter journeys.
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%.
“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.”