Cambridge: 20mph Zones A Step Closer

14 May 2013, 07:05 | Updated: 14 May 2013, 07:26

Residents and businesses can now comment on the first phase of proposals to make Cambridge a 20mph zone.

Due to its size, the project has been divided into four phases. The first phase covers the north area of the city, including Arbury, Kings Hedges, West and East Chesterton Wards. Subsequent phases are programmed to be consulted in the future with the East of the city due for public consultation in late 2013/early 2014, followed by the South and then West/Central areas.

The project has been push forward by the council following requests from residents, they say the benefits would include the following...

• Improved traffic flow
• A reduced amount of noise and air pollution.
• Reduced severity of injuries from road accidents.
• Road conditions that encourage more people to use sustainable transport.
• Easier conditions for pedestrians to cross the road.

Studies have found that a pedestrian struck at 20mph has a 97% chance of survival; at 30mph the chances of survival fall to 80%.

Councillor Tim Ward (Executive councillor for planning and climate change) said: "it is good that the project has now progressed to this first phase of public consultation."

"Similar 20mph projects are being consulted and introduced in numerous cities across the country. The North Phase consultation provides residents and businesses the opportunity to air their views, and subject to consultation outcomes, potentially benefit from what area wide 20mph can provide."   

As part of the public consultation, a letter and questionnaire will be sent to all addresses within the North Phase area.

There will also be public project exhibitions from the 29th of May to the 1st of July at the Arbury Community Centre (Campkin Road, Cambridge, CB4 2LD) and at the City Council Customer Service Centre at Mandela House (4 Regent Street, Cambridge, CB2 1BY).
 
The outcomes of the North Phase public consultation will be uploaded onto the project web page. They will also be presented to the City Council North Area Committee on the 1st of August 2013, and then to the City Council Environment Scrutiny Committee on the 8th of October 2013.