Police Worry Drivers May Ignore Extended 20mph Zone in Girton
Concerns arise as police fear drivers won’t follow new 20mph limits in Girton
Girton, Cambridgeshire, 20mph Zone, Road Safety, Speed Limits
Girton: Police are a bit anxious about the idea of extending the 20mph speed limit in the village. They’re worried that drivers might not stick to the lower speed if it gets expanded. While they support the plan, they think more needs to be done to make sure folks actually follow the rules on Girton Road.
Cambridgeshire County Council is open to looking into this if it turns out that people aren’t obeying the speed limit. The current 20mph zone was set up back in 2021, and now they want to stretch it to cover more streets in the south part of Girton.
This move is part of a bigger plan to roll out more 20mph zones across Cambridgeshire. The idea to extend the zone came from Girton Parish Council. Interestingly, a recent consultation only got three responses from the public—one against and two in favor.
The person who objected raised some valid points about how people often ignore these speed limits. They mentioned that having 20mph zones can be a waste of money and might even create risks for road users, especially for learner drivers who are trying to stick to the limits.
County council officers believe that extending the 20mph zone will help create a consistent environment for everyone. They think the layout of the roads should naturally encourage slower speeds. Still, they know some drivers tend to ignore speed limits, but they hope that over time, people will accept 20mph as the norm in built-up areas.
On the flip side, supporters of the extension are excited about the proposal. They feel safer since the current speed limits were put in place. One person even said that cycling and walking in Girton has improved a lot since the original 20mph zone was introduced, making it a safer route for families.
A decision on whether to go ahead with the extension is expected next week. County council officers are leaning towards approval, emphasizing that while opinions on 20mph limits vary, the feedback from Girton has been mostly positive.
They pointed out that 20mph limits are a common way to encourage safer driving, especially in areas where pedestrians and cyclists are more likely to be around. It’s seen as a cost-effective way to boost road safety and promote more sustainable transport options. So, they’re recommending that the Girton proposal gets the green light.