Anti-speed group hopes lockdown brings safer roads
CAMPAIGNERS are hoping that one of the few benefits of coronavirus can be continued when it is all over - safer roads.
The group, called 20’s Plenty in Cheshire East, want this to be the default legal maximum for residential roads in Macclesfield and the rest of the borough.
Members say that since lockdown began roads have been extremely quiet and much better for use by cyclists or pavement pedestrians.
And a proposal to introduce the 20mph mandatory speed limit, that will be debated by Cheshire East Council next month, would help ensure this can continue.
David Mayers, from the group, said: “The benefits of such a change would be considerable.
“They include less traffic congestion, safer streets with fewer and less serious accidents, healthier children who will enjoy the freedom to safely cycle and walk everywhere, and calmer neighbourhoods with less stress and fear – especially for older and vulnerable residents.
“The Cheshire crime and police commissioner supports the initiative, as do many health experts – and it would save the NHS and the emergency services a fortune in fewer callouts and trips to A&E.”
Roads in Macclesfield that the group say are particularly busy and prone to speeding include Manchester Road, Chelford Road, Ivy lane and Prestbury Road.
But members are even more concerned about speed on residential roads such as Earlsway and Queens Avenue.
Neighbouring Cheshire West has already adopted the policy, they say.
It is estimated the cost of introducing the scheme in Cheshire East would be £1m - around £3 per person.
David added: “Increasing active travel and reducing the number of car journeys is a major priority for Cheshire East and the government.
“Many Cheshire East residents have been enjoying an unexpected bonus of the lockdown – quiet, almost empty roads along which it has been a pleasure to cycle and walk while taking our daily exercise.
“Wouldn’t it be great if we could continue to enjoy these opportunities once the crisis is over?”
The group encourages anyone who wants to lobby for the change to contact their local councillor and visit www.20splenty.org.