Petitions supporting and opposing the idea of a 20mph speed limit in Storrington have attracted hundreds of signatures.
While West Sussex County Council has received no applications for such a change, hundreds of people have made their views clear about what they would and wouldn’t like to see should one ever materialise.
A petition started in December by members of the Green Party has attracted more than 600 signatures from people wanting the limit introduced in Sullington, Cootham and Cowfold, as well as Storrington.
Now Emma Pickering has a petition of 450 names so far, who think it would be a bad idea.
Emma felt that, due to the levels of congestion which regularly clog the roads through Storrington, a new speed limit would have minimal impact.
While the petition in favour of change cites road safety as a reason, she said she had seen no evidence that the current 30mph limit was ‘hazardous’.
Emma added: “A restriction of 20mph over such a long section of road will cause frustration to drivers, especially when driving out of the village at all times and during the evening and night when traffic is light.”
The petition in favour of change said doing so would not only improve road safety but cut emissions and encourage people to walk or cycle.
The petition added: “A 20mph limit in Storrington, as a hub village serving surrounding communities including Thakeham, Ashington, Pulborough, West Chiltington, Amberley, Coldwaltham, and Washington, would also bring indirect benefits to these areas. The smoother traffic flow resulting from a 20mph limit would reduce congestion and enhance the experience for those travelling through or accessing Storrington for essential services and activities.”
Emma recognised that Storrington suffered from heavy traffic and that there may be a case for lower speed limits on certain roads, but she didn’t think a ‘blanket approach’ was the right one to take.
She added: “The action that would significantly reduce traffic flows in the village is the construction of the Arundel by-pass.”
A county council spokesman said: “Requests for changes to speed limits in a specific area should be sent to the council directly. Each request is assessed in line with the West Sussex Speed Limit Policy with a decision based on factors such as vulnerable road users, risk of fatal or serious injury, road layout and community impact, with input from Sussex Police.
“If supported, changes must go through a statutory legal process to introduce a new Traffic Regulation Order (TRO). More complex or costly proposals may be considered through our Community Highways Scheme, which requires support from both the local councillor and wider community.”
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