IS 20 PLENTY?

In my experience, concern has been growing in Ashtead about speeding motorists. It is clear that we are far from being alone in this regard, as evidenced for example by the increased priority being given to this subject by Surrey Police and the increasing number of local authorities across the country which have introduced 20 mph speed limits.
What could be done?

Speed Humps

Some Ashtead roads already have speed humps and more could be built, if and when funds are available.
They can help but they have several disadvantages:
• they are expensive
• Surrey County Council sets severe criteria for their installation
• some drivers seem to find them more of a challenge than a hindrance
• some residents generally dislike them and believe that they cause damage to vehicles and
• drainage problems can arise.

Community Speed Watch

As a response to widespread and increasing concern, Surrey Police has launched Community Speed Watch in which “active members of the community monitor speeds of vehicles at specific locations using speed detection devices.”To date this has not been adopted locally but recently residents of Farm Lane have expressed interest.
Some residents have expressed concerns about possible threats to their personal safety if participating in the scheme and unless it is used both extensively and over a prolonged period, its efficacy may be questionable.

Reduced Speed Limits

Has the time come to lobby for the introduction of 20mph zones or for a 20mph speed limit on some roads, perhaps especially near schools?
There seems to be increasing concern at central government level. For example, in a circular issued in December 2009 the Department for Transport said:

• We want to encourage highway authorities to introduce, over time, 20 mph zones or limits into streets which are primarily residential in nature and into town or city streets where pedestrian and cyclist movements are high, such as around schools, shops, markets, playgrounds and other areas, where these are not part of any major through route.
• We want to make it clearer that highway authorities have flexibility in the use of 20 mph zones and limits, and should apply the option best suited to the local circumstances and that brings most benefits in terms of casualty reductions and wider community benefits.

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Many thanks,

Paul Le Versha
Chairman ARA