Thank you to all our readers who completed our survey about the introduction of a 20-mph speed limit in residential areas. There was a mixed response with almost a third thinking that a reduction in the speed limit was not necessary. The majority, 46.2% voted for a 20-mph speed limit supported by traffic calming measures with 30.8% preferring a 20-mph limit without calming measures.
Here are some of the comments made by participants:
• “The problem is it isn’t just a slight increase in speed – its people driving at excessive speeds 40/50/60 mph.”
• “30-mph in my opinion is a safe speed in built up areas, provided the limit is enforced.”
• “I think traffic calming measures are enough, a 20-mph limit is very difficult to deal with and just leads to
more congestion.”
• “No traffic calming – this generally means speed bumps and I for one have gone over too many of them
already.”
• “I offered to traffic monitor years ago, but nothing happened.”
• “From my observations the traffic calming measures that gives a display of a vehicle’s speed works,
whereas other measures seem to present a challenge for some drivers to defeat.”
• “Traffic calming – I don’t think it has ever calmed anyone down – traffic annoying is a better name.”
• “Traffic calming leads to more noise and acceleration as drivers speed up after bumps.”
• “I don’t believe that 20-mph is helpful for the climate either – slow moving traffic leads to more fumes.”
• “If there is no money for traffic calming measures I would still like a 20-mph limit.”
Particular concerns were raised about certain roads in the ward:
• Epsom Lane North – restricted visibility – the need to curtail speed more relevant
• Yew Tree Bottom – desperately needed
• Chapel Way – it’s like a racetrack
• Garlichill Road – at night they race down here from the Downs
• Shawley Way – have seen accidents and many near misses
• Tattenham Crescent – used as a rat run to and from the Downs
• Tattenham Grove & The Spinney – cut through from Merland Rise
There was a comment about Speed Monitoring. The idea of setting up a speed monitoring group that works with the police to monitor vehicle speeds was discussed at a T&PRA meeting some years ago. A group was started but there were not enough volunteers to make it viable.
But if anyone is interested in forming such a group again have a look at the Community Speedwatch website which explains how the process works.
If you are interested in leading or joining a local group, contact us at info@tandpr.org.uk and if there is sufficient interest, we will contact the local police to see if a group can be organised again.