Issue - meetings
Swinbrook - Proposed 20mph and 30mph Speed Limits
Meeting: 12/04/2018 - Delegated Decisions by Cabinet Member for Environment (including Transport) (Item 28)
28 Swinbrook and Widford - Proposed 20mph and 30mph Speed Limits 
PDF 2 MB
Forward Plan Ref: 2017/162
Contact: Hugh Potter, Team Leader – Area Operations Hub Tel: 07766 998704
Report by Director for Infrastructure Delivery (CMDE11).
The report presents responses received
to a statutory consultation to introduce a 20mph speed limit in place of the
existing 30mph limit at Swinbrook and a 30mph speed limit at Widford. The proposals put forward by Swinbrook and
Widford Parish Council are in response to concerns over road safety and the
wider adverse impact of traffic on residents and visitors to the villages of
Swinbrook and Widford.
The
Cabinet Member for the Environment is RECOMMENDED to approve proposals to
introduce a 20mph speed limit in place of the existing 30mph limit at Swinbrook
and a 30mph speed limit at Widford as advertised.
Decision:
Approved
Minutes:
The Leader of
the Council considered (CMDE11) responses received to a statutory consultation
to introduce a 20mph speed limit in place of the existing 30mph limit at
Swinbrook and a 30mph speed limit at Widford put forward by Swinbrook and Widford Parish Council in response to
concerns over road safety and the wider adverse impact of traffic on residents
and visitors to the villages of Swinbrook and Widford.
Speaking in support Christine Standen a local
resident referred to overwhelming local support for the proposals. Local roads had
no footpaths and with a number of blind bends cars were always in close
proximity with other users. As traffic increased so did local concerns that a
serious collision was inevitable. The proposals had been amended to meet some
of the points raised by objectors.
Mike Bloor a Swinbrook resident also
supported the proposals. The parish council had unofficially recorded a number
of incidents and close misses and referring to a ROSPA study in 2017 which
stated that 20 mph speed limits reduced traffic accidents and traffic volumes
it was hoped that the limit, if approved, would set an appropriate guide for
these roads and also improve the quality of life for residents. Funding by the
parish council showed their support.
Mr Kirkwood advised that this was one of
several parish council funded schemes and confirmed that it met DTP guidelines.
Although police enforcement would be negligible officers had no concerns with
the speed limits proposed for either village.
Having regard to the information set out in
the report and the representations made to him at the meeting the Leader of the
Council confirmed his decision as follows:
to approve proposals to introduce a 20mph speed limit in place of the existing 30mph limit at Swinbrook and a 30mph speed limit at Widford as advertised.
Signed……………………………………
Leader of the Council
Date of signing………………………….