20’s Plenty for Castle Road area

20mph limits are in the pipeline for the whole of the Castle Road area after Councillors Lucy Bywater and Ben Foley for Castle ward and Councillors Hilde Hendrickx and Jake Sampson for Newnham ward worked together to bring the long awaited reduced speed limit to the neighbourhood. The councillors shared part of the cost equally from their ward funds with the Council funding part of the scheme as well.

A consultation with details and map can be seen at https://www.bedford.gov.uk/parking-roads-and-travel/roads-and-pavements/traffic-regulation-orders/proposed-tro/. Residents and businesses are encouraged to email highway.consultations@bedford.gov.uk to comment in support of the scheme. This is important to make sure the reduced speed limit really is introduced. The scheme will not have speed bumps or chicanes, but will rely on obedience to the law and enforcement.

The Councillors collaborated to request the change in limit from the Council, sharing a concern that the area east of the High Street all the way to Newnham Avenue was 'a 30mph island' when almost all surrounding residential neighbourhoods are already 20mph. All four councillors hear residents often mention speed as a worry and they agree that '20 is plenty'.

Councillor Hendrickx commented: "A 20mph speed limit will make our streets safer and more pleasant for all road users, but especially for people who walk or cycle. We count on the support of all residents for this scheme and encourage everyone to 'go slow' when driving through our neighbourhood".

Councillor Bywater said, "National research shows 20mph as the safe speed limit for built-up areas, reducing casualties. 20mph limits also make for a nicer place to live, encouraging more pedestrians and cyclists. Other benefits of lower speed are reduced noise and vehicle emissions as it smooths traffic flow with less 'accelerate, brake, accelerate".

The councillors look forward to it being installed in early 2022, with the active support of local people.