Residents call for speed limit cut in West Sussex village that's become notorious rat run
It's estimated that 60,000 vehicles speed through Cowfold every month
Residents of a West Sussex village that's become a notorious commuter rat run are urging for the speed limit to be cut.
A petition has gained over 300 signatures after concerns that a sudden drop in speed limit from 60mph to 30 as you enter Cowfold is causing accidents.
It's calling for the speed limit to be dropped to 20, with a 40mph buffer zone, to stop commuters racing through the village - after its estimated 60,000 vehicles speed through there every month.
The petition, submitted to West Sussex County Council, is also urging for the limit to be dropped in Storrington, Sullington, and Cootham,
Jack Marsters lives in Cowfold and said the speed limit "goes from 60 to 30 very quickly": "One of those is on a hill, and two are on bends, so it's quite dangerous, particularly if traffic is backed up. "You can come flying around a corner, and suddenly have to stop." He continued that the issue is worse around rush hour:
"They might be late for work, and they are speeding as they come into a village.
"People don't understand that it's a residential area, with schools, and people need to be able to breathe.
"The pavements are quite narrow, particularly towards the edge of the village."
Campaigners also say that cutting the speed limit would help the air quality - noting Cowfold and Storrington have become designated Air Quality Management Areas due to "consistently poor air quality caused by high traffic levels".
The petition can be signed until the 27th of Feburary.