Mixed opinions about city’s new 20mph zone proposals
People have had their say on Plymouth City Council’s plan to introduce a lower speed limit across large parts of the city. William Telford hears what they had to say
IT’S either a sensible move that will make people safer and the air cleaner, or a declaration of “war on the motorist” and the extension of the “surveillance state”, depending on how who you speak to about Plymouth’s proposed 20mph scheme.
At a recent one-day consultation, dozens of people turned up to chat to Plymouth City Council officers and ward councillors and have their say on plans to restrict speeds in a large area of the Stoke and north Stonehouse areas of the city, enforced by up to 20 average speed cameras.
Many were residents in the zone, but there were also a lot who drive for a living, whether delivery vans or taxis. Lots supported the idea, but others had strong views against it, although several on both sides saw virtues in parts of the proposal but wanted other aspects dropped and a “compromise” found.
The council has stressed the proposed area, which covers 98 streets, was chosen because there had been safety concerns, with one fatal collision on the roads in the past five years. The council has stressed it is not a money-making scheme, with any cash from fines going to the Government.
The zone would also reduce congestion and lower the amount of carbon emissions from traffic, the council said.
Some people attending the consultation said there are genuine concerns about traffic speeds, particularly near five schools in the area. Others questioned why the zone needs to be so extensive and why speeds couldn’t be enforced at 30mph.
Sally Cresswell, Labour councillor for Stoke, said people have given views on speeding and traffic noise. She said it was important that the event had been a well-attended consultation, with views from a range of age groups listened to before any final decision was made. She said: “People are generally supportive. They have been really positive. And there has been lots of engagement.”
Tom Briars-Delve, also a Labour councillor for Stoke, said many people had raised concerns about youngsters getting to school safely. He said: “We have had a lot of people bring up speeding, and a lot of complaints from people... being woken up at night (by vehicles).
“It’s all about road safety and supporting people that want to walk and cycle, as well as drive.”
Daniel Dickens, a resident, said: “I’m happy with it, being a parent. With the amount of schools in the area it is probably for the better.”
Colin James, another Stoke resident, said: “I’m opposed to it. I can understand they are trying to prevent accidents but they would be better spending the money doing the roads up. The potholes and surfaces are bad.”
But he said he was in favour of some traffic enforcement and added: “If they stick to 30mph and put in speed cameras I would be in favour, but going to 20mph causes more emissions and makes drivers frustrated.”
John McGee, who lives in the proposed zone, said: “I’m in favour. I’ve lived here for 13 years and the traffic volume has trebled since lockdown. You see cars doing 60mph and 70mph, it’s a concern to us as residents.”
Jason Shopland, a resident and also a professional driver, said: “Anything that can help safety is great but driving at 20pmh is not ideal, is uses more fuel and makes you less aware of the situation – and it’s dangerous.
Stephen Hicks, another resident, said: “I have some reservations but support some if it as well. But I think that if you introduce a 20mph zone they should take out all traffic calming measures – but they don’t want to do that. This is the start of the whole of Plymouth going to 20mph.
Jerry Morris called the idea “box ticking” and said: “If you reduce speeds to 20mph you spend so much time looking at your speedo and not observing the road.”
A professional delivery driver, who asked not to be named, said: “It’s outrageous, it’s government overreach. Where does it end? You can lose your licence in one day. I think it transcends safety and air quality – it’s war on the motorist and the surveillance state.
“I agree with it outside schools but we already have that. So not on the main roads. The accident figures do not support it. If they want to put enforcement cameras up, why not put them up and enforce at 30mph?”
■ You can find more information on the proposed 20mph zone on the Plymouth City Counil website – www.plymouth.gov.uk. The deadline for comments is Friday, August 2 2024.
Anything that can help safety is great but driving at 20pmh is not ideal’
JASON SHOPLAND, RESIDENT AND A PROFESSIONAL DRIVER