A petition to install 20mph speed limits in Brighstone will still be presented to the Isle of Wight Council, despite a top councillor saying it would not be determined until the end of the year.
A campaign started in the village has attracted nearly 290 signatures — including those of the local councillor and Island MP — to reduce the speed limits on the Main Road, Moortown Lane, Upper Lane and North Street.
Robinson: “Fortuitous there have been no accidents”
Villagers Graham and Christine Robinson revived efforts to introduce the lower speed limits, following on from efforts by Brighstone Parish Council.
Mr Robinson described the main road through the village as dangerous, windy and narrow in places with a considerable lack of pavements while serving key hubs of the community like the primary school, pub and shops.
With the road not only used by cars and buses. but also farm traffic and cyclists, Mr Robinson said it has been fortuitous there have been no accidents.
He said,
“We believe reducing the speed, although some people won’t adhere to it, will help.”
Mr Robinson did not, however, think any traffic-calming measures, like speed bumps, would slow traffic down and could be more trouble than they were worth, should they be installed.
Despite the success of the petition, it may be a while before any change is implemented.
No decisions until review
Speaking at the recent cabinet meeting, Cllr Phil Jordan, who is now in charge of the Island’s infrastructure and transport portfolio, said he had been approached by councillors and members of the public to install 20mph zones in certain areas.
He said,
“Each member believes their village or town is the most important.
“It is what we are elected for, I understand that, but until the strategic speed review is complete at the end of the year or the start of 2022, we won’t be making decisions.”
The review is currently looking at the limits in place, with recommendations due to come to the council.
Mr Robinson said they accepted what Cllr Jordan said but hoped the campaign will have some influence on the speed review and is still hoping to present the petition to the council.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is part of. Read here to find about more about how that scheme works on the Island. Some alterations and additions may have been made by News OnTheWight. Ed
Image: edinburghgreens under CC BY 2.0
