Villagers consulted on 20mph speed limit plans

Residents of a Surrey village are being consulted over plans to lower the speed limit on a number of roads to 20mph.

The plans would cover a number of roads in the centre of Englefield Green, with the aim of slowing traffic and reducing crash risks, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Surrey County Council said lower speeds would give drivers more time to react and dramatically improve survival rates if pedestrians were hit by vehicles.

If the scheme went ahead, there would be further legal consultation before it was formally introduced, the council said.

The A30 on Egham Hill would keep its current 50mph speed limit, the plans state.

On some roads vehicle-activated signs or painted road markings would be put in place, rather than adding speed bumps.

The authority says research shows 20mph limits do not increase pollution whereas driving more smoothly at lower speeds can reduce emissions, fuel use and carbon output.

Fears about congestion have also been raised, but the council argues most hold-ups in built-up areas are at junctions, not on the stretches between them.

The council says scheme will be paid for through its integrated transport budget, which is specifically for highway improvements and cannot be used for pothole repairs.

Residents can take part in the public consultation online which ends on 18 March.

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