One resident said a ‘more coherent’ and ‘safety-focused approached’ on speeding would be welcomed.
Village residents have said they would welcome reduced speed limits in a Cambridgeshire village where roads are used as a “cut through” from the A47. Cambridgeshire County Council has proposed to introduce a 20mph speed limit on roads in Elm, as well as Fridaybridge, near Wisbech.
It has also proposed a 30mph speed limit on part of Begdale Road and a 40mph speed limit in Gosmoor Lane. Several residents have said they would welcome these speed limits.
Neil Dring said a “more coherent, safety-focused approach to speed limits and traffic calming would be appropriate”. He added: “Legally, parts of Begdale Road are signed with the national speed limit of 60mph. My sat-nav frequently shows 60mph for that stretch.
“Even at the legal speed limit, travelling at 60 mph on a road where people live, with driveways, pedestrians, cyclists, dog walkers and children nearby is, in my opinion, a serious hazard.
“I’ve personally experienced the consequences first-hand: when we moved to this property we had four cats, we now have one. Sadly, all the losses were due to road traffic incidents, which underlines how dangerous and fast drivers often behave here.”
Neil also said the character of Begdale Road has changed “considerably in the last five years” and it has become a “popular shortcut” if there is a crash on the A47. Neil said: “All of this suggests to me that the current speed and traffic management measures on Begdale Road are out of step with how the road is used and experienced by residents.”
Deborah Gibson, who lives on Gosmoor Lane, said the current 60mph speed limit is “totally unsafe”. She added: “Some people use Gosmoor Lane as a cut through to be navigated as quickly as possible without any regard to any residents wishing to enter or leave their property.
“We also ride horses along the lane and I am in full agreement with any traffic speeding restrictions anywhere in or near the village. We find the HGV lorries noisy and disruptive as maximum sized, refrigerator units which also run in addition to the engine noise plus the vibrations that are created.”
Roads where 20mph could be introduced would be outside schools. Alan Thomas said he “totally agrees” about the limit outside schools.
Effie Laker also agrees with the 20mph speed limit. She added: “30mph in towns and also limits in danger areas is sensible. If a country lane has no speed limit, I believe we are taught to drive at a speed suitable for how far ahead we can see.
“Speeding blindly around a corner unable to stop if you meet a horse or pedestrian is unacceptable. If a road has no speed limit, why do so many assume you have to drive at 60mph, the national speed limit. I think common sense and courtesy for drivers would go a long way.”
Councillor Dal Roy (Ind, Elm and Christchurch) said the introduction of speed limits would improve safety in the area. Cllr Roy said: “Wisbech has expanded over the years and there is a lot more traffic coming through. Everyone complains about speeding traffic and we have an active speed watch group. We have a number of speeding problems in the area.”
Cllr Roy said he understands a reduced speed limit may lead to increased journey times for people, but it is about “protecting our children”. He added: “Fatalities are reduced by reducing the speed limit. When there is an accident on the A47, all the traffic is diverted through and drivers cut through Elm and Fridaybridge.
“We also have an issue with big HGV lorries coming through. 20mph adds a level of safety in just reducing the speed. Also, if we have people using mobility scooters and wheelchairs, the 20mph zone will give them a bit more comfort.
“The longer term plan is about sustaining safety within our community. We are asking drivers to change their attitudes and try to reduce fatalities.”
Cambridgeshire County Council is running a consultation on the speed proposals until February 11. A council spokesperson said: “We’re committed to improving road safety, and 20mph schemes are one part of this.
“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 per cent.
“A 20mph speed limit was requested by Elm Parish Council, who were successful in their application to the 20mph Funding Initiative Programme for 2024/25. We have worked with the parish to develop this proposal.
“The proposed 20mph speed limits cover the residential roads within the parish that are suitable for a reduced limit, including parts of Elm, Fridaybridge, and at the parish’s request, an extension of the speed limit on Begdale Road to reflect recent development changes. The proposed 40mph sections act as buffer zones, providing a gradual transition between higher‑speed rural roads and the proposed 20mph residential areas.”