Eastbourne and Willingdon MP Caroline Ansell is asking people’s views on whether 20mph should become the default speed limit for the town.
A 30-second survey is up and running until 10th January on the MP’s website and Facebook page to allow residents to give their thoughts. Letters to her Town Hall office in Grove Road are equally welcome.
The move follows Caroline speaking at Eastbourne's Active Travel Summit in November where the Borough Council’s historic ambition to reduce speeds was raised.
In 2022, the authority passed a council motion calling on East Sussex Highways to implement 20mph across the town.Supporters of such a scheme say it is not only safer, it encourages more people to cycle and walk, reduces pollution and can ease congestion. Arguments against rest on the assertion that road traffic accidents are typically bad driver decisions and not speed, and that the reduction means longer journey times.
There is also a significant rollout cost.
Costs can be difficult to estimate because each road and area have unique challenges. Typically, expenditure is on signage, driver education, and advertising campaigns. In Islington, a scheme cost £1.6 million.
The MP’s survey asks if a town wide roll-out is something residents would support. Or would they favour targeted measures such as outside schools or health centres.
She also asks residents for their views on investment and road improvement priorities, if for example, residents would chose to spend more money on pavements or potholes instead.
Caroline Said:
“Reducing the speed limit has been considered in other areas but it does divide people,”
“The survey is intended to gauge the strength of views.”
