A Shotley peninsula councillor has called for a 20mph limit to be introduced throughout our villages.

Independent Derek Davis, Babergh district councillor for Ganges ward, which covers Shotley and Erwarton, wants to see more '20's Plenty' signs in the two villages he represents, especially in built up area.

Ideally that would mean 20mph speed limits, enforceable by law, but that needs a traffic order so police can act.

At the very least Cllr Davis has called for the council to bring more 20mph zones, like the one outside Shotley Primary School and Kidzone, which it can do without permission being sought, but if a zone is introduced without a traffic order then the speed limit applicable will be 30mph, despite the advisory 20mph signs. 

In particular, if backed by the majority of residents, he would like to see them in Kingsland/Queensland, Orwell View and off roads, Great Harlings area, the 'new' estate at Kitcheners Way, Lower Harlings area and the development at Barrelman's Point (the former Ganges site).

"There is a serious conversation to be had about introducing more 20mph zones," said Cllr Davis. "A number of residents have approached me about this, more out of safety concern for youngsters, and those less nimble of there feet.

"It is not just the idiotic drivers that use our streets but others that stick to the 30 but still present a risk to pedestrians, in some cases other drivers and even stationary vehicles."

Calls have already been made by numerous councillors to follow the example made in Wales where 20mph has universally replaced the 30mph limits.

Cllr Robert Lindsay

Former Babergh and Suffolk County Councillor Robert Lindsay, tried and failed to have it introduced in Suffolk in 2020 but the Conservative administration outvoted the motion.

Cllr Lindsay recently said: "Every year in Suffolk about 100 people are killed or seriously injured on 30mph limit roads,

"London's experience is that 20mph limits have cut deaths and serious injury by a quarter. If that happens in Suffolk, around 25 families a year will be saved from trauma or bereavement. 

"Safer roads make our villages and towns better places to live - quieter, cleaner and with healthier air. They encourage more people to walk and cycle and visit local independent shops, reducing congestion and pollution and helping local economies.  

"If only our county council administration could find the courage to follow Wales." 

There are currently 59 traffic regulation orders for 20mph speed limits in Suffolk, and there may be a number of roads within those orders that have a 20mph speed limit.

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