Cambridgeshire Live readers have been sharing their views on the proposed 20mph speed limit across Cambridge city
Cambridgeshire Live readers have been discussing a proposed citywide 20mph limit, sharing passionate opinions on safety, cost, enforcement, and how roads should accommodate all users. The responses reveal a significant divide.
Some support more radical measures, such as banning vehicles from the centre. Others believe the emphasis should fall on cyclist behaviour or on reopening some roads. A handful argue that one straightforward limit across the city might help drivers.
A cycling charity has urged that proposals for 20mph zones should be expanded to encompass all routes within Cambridge’s city boundary. Cambridgeshire County Council is presently consulting on schemes to introduce new 20mph restrictions on roads around the city – but CamCycle wants the plans to be more ambitious.
A new Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) would establish 20mph limits on nearly 20 additional streets, including Queen’s Road, Northampton Street, Chesterton Road until Mitcham’s Corner, Victoria Avenue, East Road and Lensfield Road. Further streets and sections include the Mitcham’s Corner gyratory, Corona Road, Brooklands Avenue, and the northern section of Coldhams Lane.
A county council spokesperson said of the proposals: “Over 100 people have been seriously injured across these routes since 2017. This proposal follows on from widespread engagement to put in 20mph limits on roads across Cambridge in 2024. Since then, there has been a positive response from communities to more focussed proposals for new 20mph limits in residential areas including Orchard Park.”
One commenter, Skipper, feels: “One of the problems is that councillors who force these unwanted anti-car measures on the majority in spite of consultations showing most are against (e.g., Cottenham, Ely 2000 signature petition against) are members of Camcycle. Vested interest or what?
“‘Over 100 people have been seriously injured across these routes since 2017.’ So, over 22 streets, that’s 10 per year, one per street occurring in half of the streets, the others being accident-free. This kind of record does not justify the imposition of blanket 20 mph limits. No accident records are given for individual streets.”
Aljan says: “Perhaps they should teach children road safety and not expect every vehicle driver to be subject to a permanent 20 mph limit. If children are not of an age of responsibility, then they should be supervised.
Over on our Facebook page, SD Lawrie writes: “I live in Wales. You do not want 20mph.”
Jane A suggests: “Why not open up all the closed roads and Mill Road Bridge?”
Kieth B mentions: “Only if cyclists are made to use cycle paths & cycle lanes. And stop at crossings & traffic lights. Everyone needs to adhere to rules & laws before altering anything. The most dangerous thing where cyclists are concerned is cyclists.”
Adam B comments: “To be honest, I drive all day in Cambridge for my job. A complete 20mph zone throughout the city would make it easier.”
So what are your thoughts on 20’s plenty? Comment below or HERE to have your say.
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