Parents back 20mph speed limit plans near schools

Residents have backed plans to reduce the speed-limit on a Guildford road in a bid to improve road safety around a local school.

Plans from Surrey County Council (SCC) would reduce the speed limit in Bushy Hill Drive and surrounding roads including Ashbury Crescent, Boxgrove Lane and Curlew Gardens, from 30mph to 20mph.

A public consultation on the plans will continue until Monday.

Annie Edwards, a local resident and parent, said: "Traffic is so much more and I have had kids run out right in front of me before. Cars speed down the road at times when it's possible. I think 20mph is a good idea."

Pupils from a number of schools, including Boxgrove Primary School and Merrow Junior School, use the roads alongside many cars during rush hour.

Jeannine Baumgartner, whose daughter goes to a school nearby, says: "I think it's a good initiative.

"My daughter has only just started here but sometimes I do experience speeding drivers here."

Steve Middleton called the idea a "good thing", but added: "I have been here 25 years and didn't think speeding is a problem, but I don't see why 10mph lower would be a problem."

In recent times, Surrey County Council has consulted on similar schemes in Dorking, Woking and Walton-on-Thames.

The council said that lower speed limits would result in fewer crashes and serious injuries, as well as provide a safer environment for children and older residents.

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