By Anna Whittaker, Local Democracy Reporter
Residential roads across Nottinghamshire could see 20mph speed limits implemented.
A Nottinghamshire County Council document said the move would have “significant health and safety benefits to the public”.
Councillor Penny Gowland (Lab) put forward a motion after receiving concerns from residents in West Bridgford – but she said it is a problem “for all residential areas across the county”.
The motion has now been backed by councillor Neil Clarke (Con), Chairman of the Transport and Environment Committee.
Councillor Gowland said: “This will make a real difference and I think it would be very popular. It will make virtually no difference to journey times.
“It is still to be decided how it would work, but it would affect residential roads.
“You see people in online comments being pro-car, but when you actually speak to people they are in favour of speed limits coming down.
“The vast majority of people don’t want people speeding down their roads.”
She said she was “absolutely delighted” that it is a cross-party motion.
She added: “We also need to have road calming measures to redesign roads to make them for people first, not cars first.
“We know how dangerous air pollution is too and this is a part of that.”
Nottingham City Council is also planning to introduce a 20mph speed limit around the city centre.
Councillor Clarke added: “This is a concern for residents across the county.
“It is only right that we look at the potential proposals and see how we can best implement them and look at reductions in traffic speed in our residential areas.”
Councillor Clarke said proposals will be worked on and brought to a future committee.
The document said: “This Council recognises the evidence base that exists demonstrating the significant health and safety benefits to the public from a reduction in vehicle speed to 20MPH.
“This Council resolves therefore to task the Transport and Environment Committee with exploring the feasibility of implementing a 20MPH speed limit and any other new measures that could help improve road safety in all its residential conurbations.”
The motion will be discussed during the full council meeting on September 23.
