New 20mph zone plan intended to cut road injuries

A town centre could become a 20mph zone under new plans.

Surrey County Council is proposing the limit for parts of Walton-on-Thames, including the High Street, Ashley Road, New Zealand Avenue and Churchfield Road.

The idea is the town centre will be safer for people, particularly children, older people and those with limited mobility, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The council said the move was about injury prevention and encouraging people to walk, scoot or cycle.

Some signs will be installed, but only where necessary, the council says.

The scheme is designed to be largely self-enforcing but traffic calming measures could be considered if speeds do not fall.

Funding will come from a transport budget that cannot be used for potholes or other maintenance.

The council said driving at lower speeds can cut emissions, improve air quality and cut fuel use.

Most delays in town centres happen at junctions, it said, not between them, so large journey time increases are not expected.

Residents have until 27 March to express their views.

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