20 is Plenty campaign

I have been contacted by a number of Sully residents over concerns of road safety in the area. Residents have expressed their concerns over the growing volume and speed of traffic which passes through the village and their desire for a 20mph speed limit to be implemented. I have long supported calls for 20mph in built up areas across the constituency and I am happy to endorse their campaign.

Residents are working with not-for profit organisation 20 is Plenty to campaign for 20mph to become the default speed limit on residential streets. Reducing road speeds in built up areas has a proven track record of saving lives and avoiding serious injury. Figures show that people hit by a car travelling at 35mph only have 50 per cent chance of survival. If the speed is reduced to 20mph the chance of survival leaps to 97 per cent. Shockingly more than half of all road deaths in the UK are caused on roads where the speed limit is 30mph and studies have shown that a reduction to 20mph can have a 70% reduction in child pedestrian accidents.

This week I have met with residents to discuss their concerns. I know that, like most places, there are hotspots of unsafe driving. Residents have raised particular concerns with speeding on South Road, Cog Road and Beach Road. Constituents have told me that there is reckless overtaking in the area and there have been incidents of drivers ignoring crossing lights and pedestrian crossings. A 20mph speed limit would have a significant positive impact on the village. It is more than pure speed, a reduction would help to create a calmer and safer road culture in Sully. Many local authorities across the UK have already adopted 20mph as the default speed limit in residential areas. As a result of this many local authorities have reported significant reductions in average speeds. It would have a minimal impact on journey times but a significant impact on pedestrian and cyclist safety.

Beyond improved road safety the measure could also get more people walking and cycling and support the ongoing work to promote sustainable communities. It could also have the potential to improve community cohesion and recognise the community function of streets as more than simply conduits for traffic.

On a different note I want to congratulate Fairfield Primary for their recent Estyn inspection report. I was very pleased to see Estyn’s recognition of the strong, cohesive community at Fairfield and the schools commitment to challenging pupils learning and encouraging extra-curricular activity. I hope to revisit the school over the next couple of months.

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If you’re a constituent who has a question or issue you want to raise, you can phone my office on 0300 200 7150, email me on [email protected] or fill in my online contact form here and a member of my team will get back to you.