Elections
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Question 6 - we asked:
20mph speed limits: Public consultation has brought 20mph zones to the North area of the city. The consultation for the East area also received general public support. Do you support the scheme? Do you support extending it to rest of Cambridge, i.e. South and West/Central? If so, what measures would you like to see to help encourage compliance?
Relevant links (each opens in a new window):
We asked this question in all 14 wards, namely: Abbey, Arbury, Castle, Cherry Hinton, Coleridge, East Chesterton, King's Hedges, Market, Newnham, Petersfield, Queen Edith's, Romsey, Trumpington, West Chesterton.
52 of the 62 candidates (84%) who were asked this question responded as below.
Those candidate(s) which were elected are highlighted.
Sam BARKER (Conservative Party) |
No, the average speed on mill road was 20mph even before the changes. I'd much prefer infrastructure and enforcement costs went into better cycling facilities, and wider anti social behaviour and crime. |
Eric William BARRETT-PAYTON (Conservative Party) |
A general speed limit of 20 mph everywhere is not my preference. It seems to me to be excessive to make it compulsory everywhere. However, there would be no objection to having these reduced limits near schools, as a matter of policy, and also at other hazardous places, on a case by case basis, but only where the case can be made for it on a scientific basis, rather than on sentiment, or on an over zealous insistence on it as a 'matter of principle' |
Alex BOYD (Conservative Party) |
In Market Ward almost all road are 20mph, unless they are classified as main roads. I know that residents around Maids Causeway/Newmarket Road are pleased that this is now a 20mph zone. As for other areas, a case by case approach should be adopted and should it increase road safety, respect the wishes of local residents and motorists while not leading to increased traffic problems elsewhere speed limits can be considered. Concerning compliance, first of all signs should be introduced and if problems persist random police spot checks might help. |
Tom BYRNE (Conservative Party) |
If the proposals receive public support in South and West/Central, I see no reason why the 20mph zone should not be supported. |
Timothy James HAIRE (Conservative Party) |
I think 20mph is appropriate for some roads but the blanket way it is being applied is not always appropriate. In terms of encouraging compliance we need to ensure any speed limits are enforced by the police |
Richard Graham JEFFS (Conservative Party) |
If there is a 20mph limit, it needs to be city-wide as it's difficult to know where the limits are at present. Drivers should be concentrating on traffic and pedestrians, not searching for an elusive 20 sign. |
Daniel Jacob JOHN (Conservative Party) |
East Chesterton is an area where the 20mph zone has already been rolled out. I am in favour of the speed limit in principle, as often 20mph is the only sensible speed to drive on the narrower residential roads. However even when the speed limit was higher, people sped (particularly along roads such as Fen Road) and I am skeptical of the impact that the lower speed limit will have on these drivers. As such, my focus would be to evaluate whether speed calming measures are sensible as well as to try to increase police or possibly PCSO presence with a focus on those flagrantly breaking the speed limit. |
Simon LEE (Conservative Party) |
We should have 20mph on all small residential streets, speed camera's great, sleeping policemen I'm not so keen on. A lot of the time you cant get above 20mph anyway We could do with more patience and respect from all of us, not sure how you should implement this !! |
Vince MARINO (Conservative Party) |
I am sorry i do not agree ,i feel 20mph should be held centrally only as traffic needs to flow quicker on the outskirts,with the increase of vehicles and population traffic will come to a standstill |
Linda YEATMAN (Conservative Party) |
I am in favour of the 20mph speed limit being extended to residential streets across the Clty, but more for protection of pedestrians than to facilitate cyclists’ use. |
Sandra BILLINGTON (Green Party) |
All narrow residential roads need a 20mph speed limit and when I went through East Chesterton recently, along Green End Road, I noticed that more pedestrian crossings had been put in. These, along with the speed bumps, keeps the traffic moving more slowly |
Joel Henry CHALFEN (Green Party) |
PLEASE NOTE: I have only just received this questionnaire. 20mph zones are very important. I tend to prefer priority signposting over speed bumps. But again, as a councillor, I would need to engage with the research to really know what works best. |
Maximillian FRIES (Green Party) |
20mphs zones are essential for more road safety, to reduce congestion by encourage alternative ways of transport and in general for creating areas that are quieter and less polluted. The recent smog clouds over Cambridge have demonstrated the necessity to change something now, and introducing 20mphs zones all over the city is a fast and cost-effective way to start with. To enforce compliance, mobile speed controls are an option, as well as physical measures to slow down the traffic without endangering cyclists and pedestrians. |
Ceri GALLOWAY (Green Party) |
A 20 mph speed limit in residential areas not only benefits cycling safety particularly for children but also helps to create safer communities. Methods that help drivers to reduce their speed is careful planning of exits and entry to streets. I’m fully supportive of extension of 20 mph limits in south and west of the city. |
Oscar Edward GILLESPIE (Green Party) |
They are public consultations, so they are taking residents' wishes into account, which I do support. I feel the proposal has been quite well communicated, but there is an issue with enforcement that means the limits are frequently ignored. There are clearly some drivers who enjoy tearing along these roads, causing a hazard and a lot of noise, and it seems important to make the existing zones effective as well as introducing new ones. |
Julia HARRISON (Green Party) |
I would certainly back this idea, which has many benefits, from road safety to decreasing noise and environmental pollution. However I would want proper consultation with local people, as has taken place in the North of the city. |
Matthew John HODGKINSON (Green Party) |
The Green Party supports introducing 20mph zones in residential areas where there is support from residents. I was generally in support of the 20mph zone in the East area consultation, though not for all of the additional main roads that were suggested. The limit will never be 100% enforceable and the police will inevitably give some leeway, but any reduction in speed that is achieved by the introduction of 20mph limits will help reduce the risk of accidents and the seriousness of the injuries. A soft compliance measure that may work are the electronic signs that show motorists their speed, or flash 'slow down' when they are exceeding the limit, and clear marking, including on road surfaces, will also help. Beyond 20mph zones, 'Home zones' or shared space schemes that redesign residential streets to favour pedestrians, cyclists, and children playing would also help improve safety. |
Stephen Roger LAWRENCE (Green Party) |
Yes. Compliance - just needs a few drivers to stick to the limit and others are obliged to follow. Perhap use some of the in-car boxes that people use for reducing their insurance premiums. |
Peter Harry POPE (Green Party) |
Twenty's plenty for me. |
Michael Philip POTTER (Green Party) |
Definitely, since it first began I have felt that the 20mph scheme should be city wide. Whilst I was a car driver I felt this strongly, from my perception of the relationship between myself as a driver and cyclists and pedestrians. Personally, I am convinced that with such a speed limit, overall, traffic flow and journey time are improved. |
Marie-Louise HOLLAND (Independent) |
I think we are back with roads being used as rat runs. Yes, restrict the speed limit and also Speeds used to be painted on the roadway as well as GIVE WAY! |
the dragon fairy PUFFLES (Independent) |
In the grand scheme of things, I'm open-minded on it. (Not least because I haven't explored the evidence-bases are). I'd like to see what the results of the north area experience is. Did it reduce average speeds? Did it reduce pollution levels? Did it reduce congestion? Did it reduce accidents? Did it result in an increase in cycling/public transport use? What was the public's response to it? How many people who were at first against it changed their minds? Again, if widened, I would not want to see this as a 'standalone' scheme, but one that was clearly part of a wider planned and co-ordinated group of measures to reduce pollution, traffic congestion, as well as increasing road safety and encouraging people to use other means of transport, especially for short journeys. |
Ian TYES (Independent) |
20 mph speed limits are a waste of time and money and a futile symbolic gesture. Those drivers who ignored the 30mph speed limt are not going to observe 20mph, so the only people affected are the existing safe drivers. Accidents mostly happen at junctions not inbetween junctions. I would rather spend the half million on improving junction visibility, closing off right turns, making traffic lights respond to traffic properly and bicycles in particular, properly painting white lines on cycle routes and in particular on shared use footpaths so everyone knows which side to use and persuading home owners to cut their high hedges on dangerous blind junctions. |
Dave BAIGENT (Labour Party) |
Speed kills and in cities and towns it doesn't even save time. |
John BERESFORD (Labour Party) |
It is often difficult to travel at more than 20 mph in parts of Queen Edith's, given the daily parking congestion, so any limit in the streets east of Cherry Hinton Road and west of Worts' Causeway would be no hardship, I suspect. |
Lewis HERBERT (Labour Party) |
I fully support 20 mph speed limits for residential and specific other streets across the whole city and am committed to positive consultation with residents, including on adjacent major roads which are also suitable for 20mph. I am concerned at elements of the scheme introduction, particularly on the 3Es - enforcement, the need for some road engineering and further education, including increased and more engaging signage, and ‘You are now entering a 20 mph City’ on strategic points and entry roads. I also want traffic activated mobile speed signs tested on particular roads, for example, Coleridge Road. Trialling of average speed enforcement should also be considered for long roads with excessive speed. |
Russ MCPHERSON (Labour Party) |
20mph in the right areas is a good idea - I have no problem with it; but it can be very odd when cylists undertakes car/motorcycle/moped because they are themselves going faster that the 20mph designated limit. I understand that cylist are not subject to speeding offence but it would indicate a 'respect' for the 20mph that everyone else on the road has to comply with - if its 20mph then it should be 20mph for type of 'vehicle' on the road; perhaps that may aid compliance. That being said it can work fine if everyone understands why its 20mph and complies with that idea. In principal 20mph zones are fine by me. |
Charlotte PERRY (Labour Party) |
I support extending the 20 MPH routes where they can be enforced effectively. However I believe that on main roads protected space and safer junctions for cyclists are the priority as cars can still kill at 20 mph and protected space allows cyclists to travel with more confidence. Where 20 mph limits are in place they should be clearly signed and speed cameras used where appropriate to enforce the limit. |
Dan RATCLIFFE (Labour Party) |
I have consistently supported the introduction of 20mph zones in residential areas and welcome the start of a city-wide scheme. The situation with Maid's Causeway/Newmarket Road was bordering on farcical with residents locally facing continual disruption and real danger from speeding HGVs and some car drivers. It is important that we signpost extensively especially on routes into the city centre and am glad that the police are now moving towards increased enforcement. We should also look what possibilities exist to re-engineer some roads. |
Mark A READER (Labour Party) |
I fully support 20 mph speed limits for residential, and specific other streets across the whole city, and I voted for this policy in the Castle branch, and which the Cambridge Labour Party agreed. I am committed to positive consultation with residents in light of the evidence. And I would support EFFECTIVE AND PRO-SOCIAL ENFORCEMENT that keeps average speeds down and accidents to an absolute minimum. |
Peter ROBERTS (Labour Party) |
Yes, I supported the scheme when it came to East Area Committee. I would encourage the parts of Cambridge which have yet to vote on 20mph to join with the rest of us in backing it. Again, signage is paramount. I’m in favour of speed activated signs and prominent signage on particular roads where 20mph is ignored. Although not within my remit, as an individual, I would also like to see the speed limit fully enforced. |
Richard ROBERTSON (Labour Party) |
There have been 20 mph limits in parts of Petersfield for some time and it has helped reduce the general speed of traffic and make life safer for cyclists and pedestrians though it is also clear that many motorists do not respect the limit. Extending the scheme across the whole city should help shift drivers into automatically driving more slowly at all times and help in those areas already subject to the lower limit. The way the police are reported to have allowed a grace period and then started issuing tickets to enforce the 20mph limit seems to be the way to enforce it though this will need to be maintained and not just applied in the first few months of the scheme. |
Mike SARGEANT (Labour Party) |
I fully support 20 mph speed limits for residential and specific other streets across the whole city and committed to positive consultation with residents who are supporting this initiative. Enforcement is being addressed in the North Area, and further education is needed. Placing of signs that state “Welcome to Cambridge. You are now entering a 20 mph City” on strategic points on entry roads should be considered along with traffic activated mobile speed indicator signs on particular roads, for example, Gilbert Road which is outside of the scheme. Trialling of average speed enforcement should also be considered for long roads with excessive speed. |
Peter SARRIS (Labour Party) |
Yes I support the scheme and its extension, but we need to make sure it is enforceable and enforced by working with the Police. We also need better signage for those entering Cambridge to make it clear they are entering a 20MPH zone. |
Ann SINNOTT (Labour Party) |
I approve of the scheme and would support extension throughout the city. I would also like it extended to narrow main roads, eg Victoria Road in West Chesterton. To ensure compliance: (i) clear and prominent signage, including on routes into the city, is essential (ii) traffic-activated speed signs on selected roads (iii) police vigilance with penalty tickets issued to offenders |
Martin SMART (Labour Party) |
Fully support 20 mph speed limits for residential and specific other streets across the whole city and committed to positive consultation with residents who are supporting this initiative. Enforcement will need to be addressed, and further education. Placing of signs that state “Welcome to Cambridge. You are now entering a 20 mph City” on strategic points on entry roads should be considered along with traffic activated mobile speed indicator signs on particular roads, for example, Coleridge Road. |
Tim SYKES (Labour Party) |
I am fully supportive of 20 mph speed limits on residential and other roads as long as they are enforced. I would like to see more light up signs used in the city which tells the driver how fast they are traveling. Sometimes a reminder is just as good as a ticket. |
Sam WOLFE (Labour Party) |
I am fully committed to 20mph limits in the city and look forward to further work on implementing this for residential streets in Newnham. I believe that these limits should sit alongside physical traffic calming measures as well. The environmental impact of this two-pronged approach would be positive. Simply advertising the limit is only half the story however, and I've been disappointed to see only limited enforcement of the restrictions elsewhere in the city. I'm keen to work with colleagues from across parties to get local police to put more of an emphasis on enforcement. This would certainly have an effect on roads such as Grange Road, where high speeds which regularly flout the existing limit create an environment which is dangerous to cyclists and pedestrians alike. |
Donald Marshall ADEY (Liberal Democrat) |
Support. Compliance is difficult to achieve. Some mobile speed traps. We also need more compliance with cycles having lights at night. |
Ysanne Margaret AUSTIN (Liberal Democrat) |
Yes, I support the scheme. A 20mph speed limit across the city would be safer. It would help if it were extended and all areas agreed to this. A consistent approach would be easier to respect when travelling though adjacent areas. We still have an inconsistency in Victoria Road where a maximum of 30mph remains. I believe this narrow busy street should be 20 mph. |
Nicholas Brian AVERY (Liberal Democrat) |
I support reduced speed limits generally in urban areas and, unsurprisingly therefore, would welcome the extension of the 20mph zone to roads in Trumpington. Signage is key but modern technology should enable us to have signs that provide the requisite information, including where the speed limit changes depending on the time of the day or day of the week. Some serious thought should be given to speed limits for cyclists also. I am not against enforcement via cameras, provided that the cameras are obvious. |
Fergus BLAIR (Liberal Democrat) |
While I think it is up to local councillors in each part of Cambridge to listen to the concerns of residents and establish whether there is demand for 20mph zones, broadly I think that the scheme has done a lot of good in terms of increasing road safety. These zones should be introduced with the expectation of a long educational period, but there are certainly some measures that can be taken to encourage compliance. Local councillors should work with schools and local businesses to raise awareness of the change in advance of its implementation. Once the 20mph zone has been introduced, councillors should listen to local residents to identify problem areas that can then be made a policing priority. In those areas, the Council should also consider additional traffic calming measures; in particular, speed activated road signs have proven to be an effective way of encouraging compliance, and their implementation should be explored. |
Sarah Elizabeth BROWN (Liberal Democrat) |
It was my motion to full Council which set the city-wide 20mph project in progress, and I am proud to see implementation proceeding. I'd like to see it finished. I understand the police are reluctant to do much enforcement of 20 limits, partially because they don't feel the have adequate penalties available to them. I would push the police to engage in selective enforcement, and lobby our local MPs for a change in the enforcement powers available to make them more appropriate for 20mph areas (perhaps including speed cameras set to trigger at 24mph, which I understand is not currently something they can do). |
Rod CANTRILL (Liberal Democrat) |
i do support the scheme and its expansion to West Central. certain roads in West Central are already 20 mph. I would welcome proactive enforcement for a period of time - either by the police or by vehicle activation signs - highlighting to vehicles when they are exceeding the limit. if such steps failed to address the issue - then i would support further action such as temporary average speed camera for a fixed period of time |
Keith EDKINS (Liberal Democrat) |
I support 20 mph schemes and would like to see the police taking enforcement seriously. |
Tim MOORE (Liberal Democrat) |
As a direction of travel 20mph zones make sense: lower fatality rate with collisions and less permanent damage; where younger children live this is more important. Residents deserve a safe environment. Many are still wedded to their car so the speed of travel should take residents with them as much as possible. |
Zoe O'CONNELL (Liberal Democrat) |
Yes, I support 20mph limits. Effective police enforcement of these limits is a concern, and something I am sure councillors will continue to keep a close eye on - it has been set as a priority by North Area Committee again. |
Colin Richard ROSENSTIEL (Liberal Democrat) |
Almost all of Market Ward is already 20mph. One exception (Severn Place) is an anomaly which should be corrected with redevelopment; the others are classified main roads on the edges of the ward. |
Paul Stuart SAUNDERS (Liberal Democrat) |
I have supported this for quite a while. I look forward to our residential areas regaining their essential residential character. However, we must ensure any scheme has local support, so local consultation matters greatly. I would be surprised if the remaining two areas do not welcome the scheme: and the local knowledge expressed through the consultations will allow the implementation to take account of local conditions and wishes. One tool to encourage compliance are those mobile speed indicators. Education not enforcement. Using embarrassment anyway. I understand some are being purchased as part of the scheme roll out. These signs tell people graphically when they exceed the limit giving instant feedback, and highlighting unacceptable speed so all can see. I hope that Area Committees will be able to task them to problem areas. I'd certainly like to see them deployed in Mill Road occasionally! |
Neale UPSTONE (Liberal Democrat) |
Yes. |
Tim WARD (Liberal Democrat) |
The city-wide 20mph project was my idea and I have led the project, so clearly I do support implementing it across the city, in accordance with the views of local residents as expressed through the consultation process. The police have been tasked by the North Area Committee with giving priority to 20mph enforcement, of course within available resource and having regard to other priorities, and it is open to other area committees to act similarly, should they so wish, as the scheme is rolled out. |
Peter BURKINSHAW (UK Independence Party) |
I know of nobody in Union Lane who was asked. I think 20mph is unnecesary |
Camcycle is a non-partisan body. All candidates are given an equal opportunity to submit their views. Information published by Camcycle (Cambridge Cycling Campaign), The Bike Depot, 140 Cowley Road, Cambridge, CB4 0DL.