The last 4 years have seen a pilot scheme of 20mph zones in operation outside 4 schools in the borough which have been enforceable under a temporary TRO (Traffic Regulation Order)

A recommendation was brought before the Local Committee this week to make these zones permanent which would require an application for a new TRO which would cost about £2000.

Although the restrictions have had limited effect, the recommendation was that reverting these zones to 30mph would send the wrong message to drivers, would be unpopular with parents, and there would be a higher cost associated with removing the 20mph signage.

However, I was surprised to see that there was a lot of antagonism towards these 20mph limits and only 4 members of the committee, myself included, were in favour of making the restrictions permanent.

The majority took the view that there was no urgency in making a decision, in spite of the fact that doing nothing means that cars can now legally travel at 60mph in these zones as there is no TRO in place to enforce any limit at all.

I will continue to campaign for 20mph limits outside all schools, with traffic calming measures where signage alone does not deter speeding.