There are proposals to introduce 20mph speed restrictions on more roads in Cambridge
People are divided over proposals to introduce new 20mph speed restrictions across several roads in Cambridge. Some people said it would be a “waste of time” while others claimed it could change driving habits.
New 20mph limits are proposed for several roads around the city. More than 100 people have been seriously injured across these routes since 2017, according to Cambridgeshire County Council.
A consultation period is running from July 1 to August 5, 2026. The proposed 20mph speed limits include: Chesterton Lane, Chesterton Road (Mitcham’s Corner to Magdalene Bridge), Corona Road, Milton Road (Mitcham’s Corner junction only), and Northampton Street.
Several more are included as part of the proposals. The roads where 20mph limits are now being put forward include routes where there was the most support for reduced speed limits, as well as several known crash locations, the council said.
CambridgeshireLive spoke with locals about their thoughts on the possible changes. A 39-year-old woman who works in Cambridge said she would like to see this introduced because cars “fly around” the area near Chesterton Road “all the time”.
The woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said she doesn’t think the roads are unsafe and that 30mph is “standard” in many areas. She said some motorists would “absolutely not” adhere to 20mph.
She added: “I don’t think it’s a bad thing, but I think it takes a lot of discipline, especially people who know this area, who have been driving here for a long time. It’s a lot of education on a speed limit change.”
She emphasised the city’s popularity among cyclists and that motorists have to be “more conscious in Cambridge”, adding “you’re always a little bit on guard anyway”. For this reason, the speed restriction proposals “make total sense” to her.
Former Cambridgeshire County Council councillor Susan van de Ven said introducing speed restrictions in other villages has been a “real success”. She feels it would have the same impact in Cambridge.
She said: “They are often really controversial but you can tell that people’s driving habits change and you get used to it and where they measure it a year later you can see.
“I absolutely support it. The chances of a small child surviving being hit by a car are night and day with lower speed limits. So, it may be inconvenient, but it’s not really going to change your day.”
She highlighted that introducing a new speed restriction “doesn’t cost much”, adding 20mph is a “complete change of culture” and a “different way of driving a car which is a long term thing”. Ms van de Ven said that lower speed restrictions have had a “beneficial impact”.
Duncan McCallun, 73, said the restrictions would “make it even slower to get around Cambridge than it is at the moment”. He believes this is not a good use of the council’s money and it could be better spent on repairing and preventing potholes.
He added: “It’d be the same. I’m not sure there’s much difference between 20 and 30[mph]. I’m not sure it’d make much difference.” He said that the negative impacts outweigh the positives.
Olena Tarasova said she would like to see these restrictions introduced because she has children and thinks 20mph could deter people from speeding, especially “if it is a legal requirement”. The 49-year-old believes it could prevent a crash as its a “very cycle kind of city” and feels it would protect them more.
Andrew May, 65, who lives in Cambridge, said he would “absolutely not” like to see this speed limit introduced. He added: “I think it’s really quite a ridiculous thing. It’s completely unnecessary. The sort of people who wouldn’t obey a 20mph limit are going to flout it anyway, because they’re already flouting 30.”
He said he “absolutely” believes the roads across Cambridge are “remarkably safe” as they are, adding “people have to slow down anyway because of the traffic conditions”.
His other concern is that he suspects those who breach the limit are “much less likely to sit behind someone who is doing 20mph and they will do something incredibly stupid and dangerous like overtake”.
He also emphasised that many people who use a vehicle to commute elsewhere, claiming “we shouldn’t be making their lives more difficult, their commute longer, and increase the pollution as a result”. Mr May feels as though it is “trying to solve a non-existent problem”, adding the proposals are “absolutely bonkers”.
Councillor Alex Beckett, Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council’s Highways & Transport Committee, said: “There are far too many deaths and injuries on our roads. It’s clear that 20mph limits can make a huge difference in improving safety especially for our most vulnerable road users – children.
“We’ve taken on feedback from the past engagement and have created a bespoke scheme for the city. The revised proposals focus on routes where over 100 people have suffered serious injuries since 2017 and where 20mph limits would make a big difference in keeping people safe.
“I urge everyone to let us know their thoughts on the proposals as part of this consultation so we can understand the views of local residents, businesses and community groups and then make the best decision for everyone.”
According to the county council, a person is around five times more likely to be killed when hit by a motor vehicle at 30mph than at 20mph. After the consultation on the proposed traffic regulation order, the results will be reviewed by road safety officers and councillors.
A decision on whether to go ahead with all, some, or none of the proposals will be taken by the Highways and Transport Committee in the winter, with any changes to the roads made in early 2027.
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