by Ray Duffill
Residents in Hedon are being encouraged by the town council to give their views on a proposal to introduce a 20mph zone.
East Riding Council is considering the introduction of an experimental 20mph speed limit and has launched a consultation on the proposal, which it says is part of its ongoing commitment to improving road safety and enhancing the quality of life for residents.
In Wales, where the default speed limit is 20mph, a YouGov poll conducted in July revealed that 70 per cent of Welsh people polled opposed it, with 40 per cent of drivers saying they regularly exceeded the limit.
YouGov reported: “Opposition for the policy is widespread, with opponents outnumbering supporters among every part of the Welsh public.
“It is strongest among Conservative and Reform UK voters, nine in 10 of whom oppose a uniform 20mph limit, but also holds only limited support among voters for the parties that supported the policy – with 59 per cent of Labour and 56 per cent of Plaid voters opposed… As many Welsh people (28 per cent) believe the new limit worsens safety for drivers, with four in 10 (38 per cent) viewing it as having made no difference.”
However, Hedon Town Council has unanimously supported the proposal for a 20mph zone.
Town and ward councillor Steve Gallant said: “East Riding Council is planning to make Hedon the first of a number of towns and villages 20mph zones to make our roads safer. There is a consultation running in October. It is being proposed primarily for the safety of residents.
“If you are hit by a car at 20mph your chance of being seriously hurt is less than 30 per cent of the chance at 30mph. It’s safer for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers alike.
“In Edinburgh, where 20mph was introduced in 2018, deaths have been reduced by 33 per cent. And accidents and injuries have been reduced by 40 per cent and 39 per cent respectively.
“It can even save you money on your car insurance. Esure has now started reducing premiums in areas where 20mph is in place.
“Hedon Town Council often gets complaints of drivers speeding in our residential streets and it certainly isn’t appropriate to be driving around our estates of cul-de-sacs at speeds of 30mph or more.
“We have had quite a few pedestrians injured in the town. Only last week a schoolboy was hit crossing St Nicholas Gate. The town council has looked at the benefits of 20mph zones and backed this proposal unanimously.
“East Riding has had several places request a 20mph zone and the council has agreed funding for four to become the first in the County, with Hedon first, with Swanland lined up to be next. Some people have said it will delay them getting to work.
“But the Department of Transport statistics say it only adds three per cent – so for a five-minute drive through Hedon it would only add nine seconds.”
To take part in the public consultation, visit eastriding.gov.uk/council/consultations and look for Mandatory Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) Consultation – Hedon 20.