Issue - meetings

It is proposed that the roads in Guildford bounded by the railway line, Stoke Road, Woodbridge Road and York Road are provided with a lower 20mph speed limit.

Guildford Joint Committee:

(i)            AGREED a 20 mph speed limit is implemented on Gardner Road, Markenfield Road, Nettles Terrace, Dapdune Road, Park Road, Drummond Road, George Road, Artillery Terrace, Artillery Road, Stoke Fields, Stoke Grove and Church Road to support safer walking and cycling along the “Guildford College Link+” route and throughout the adjoining neighbourhood of residential roads.

(ii)           AGREED in accordance with the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 an order will be advertised for the 20 mph speed limit, and the Area Highway Manager in consultation with the Chairman, Vice Chairman and Divisional Member for Guildford Southwest will consider the responses before proceeding.

Reasons for recommendations:

The proposed lower 20 mph speed limit on Markenfield Road, Nettles Terrace and Dapdune Road will contribute to easier and safer walking, scooting and cycling on the new “Guildford College Link+” route between Guildford rail station and Guildford College. Providing a 20 mph speed limit on these roads and throughout the adjoining neighbourhood of residential roads will ensure consistency of speed limit and will contribute to easier and safer walking throughout the residential area.

Declarations of Interest: Mr Matthew Furniss declared a non-pecuniary interest as a resident on one of the roads in question.

Officer attending: Duncan Knox, Surrey County Council, Road Safety and Active Travel Team Manager

Petitions, Public Questions, Statements: None

Member Discussion – key points:

Members were supportive of the introduction of the lower speed limit in the area described in the report, not just to bolster the College Link plan but to encourage an active travel neighbourhood and support the wider development of the permeability of Guildford town centre. Enforcement of revised speed limits is a key part of their introduction and police support for any changes is always sought.

There was discussion about the consistency of the County Council’s approach to the introduction of 20mph limits; targeted plans are carefully considered and active travel schemes are being developed in a number of places around the county.

Resolved

The Guildford Joint Committee;

(i)            AGREED a 20 mph speed limit is implemented on Gardner Road, Markenfield Road, Nettles Terrace, Dapdune Road, Park Road, Drummond Road, George Road, Artillery Terrace, Artillery Road, Stoke Fields, Stoke Grove and Church Road to support safer walking and cycling along the “Guildford College Link+” route and throughout the adjoining neighbourhood of residential roads.

(ii)           AGREED in accordance with the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 an order will be advertised for the 20 mph speed limit, and the Area Highway Manager in consultation with the Chairman, Vice Chairman and Divisional Member for Guildford Southwest will consider the responses before proceeding

Reason for recommendation

The proposed lower 20 mph speed limit on Markenfield Road, Nettles Terrace and Dapdune Road will contribute to easier and safer walking, scooting and cycling on the new “Guildford College Link+” route between Guildford rail station and Guildford College. Providing a 20 mph speed limit on these roads and throughout the adjoining neighbourhood of residential roads will ensure consistency of speed limit and will contribute to easier and safer walking throughout the residential area.