Public Consultation by Cambridgeshire County Council on the introduction of a 20mph speed limit in Fulbourn VillageResponses invited until 8 April 2024
Early in 2023, the Cambridgeshire County Council (CCC) invited applications for funding to implement 20mph speed reduction schemes in Cambridgeshire villages, with the aim of improving safety for all, encouraging active travel (walking and cycling), reducing air and noise pollution, and creating a more pleasant, comfortable, and healthy environment for residents.
A working group was formed including Fulbourn Forum, interested villagers, and two parish councillors. We asked for your thoughts on the idea of a 20mph limit and the response was overwhelmingly in favour, with many writing about their experiences and reasons for wanting to see a reduction in the speed of vehicles in the village. Fulbourn’s schools were also approached for comment, where the same strong support was received. All this support formed part of the formal application made in April 2023 to CCC, which included comprehensive evidence of speeding and accidents over several years. In September 2023 we learnt that our application was one of 20 successful applications from a total list of more than 70 villages that had submitted a proposal for funding from that year’s ring-fenced project finance.
A detailed scheme has now been prepared by the CCC and this is out for public consultation until 8 April 2024.
The CCC wants to hear your views. It is important that, if you would like to see the speed reduction implemented, you write to the CCC to confirm your support.
Full information on how to view the project details and drawings, and to submit your response, is given below.
The proposed scheme will provide a 20mph limit throughout the village commencing at or near to where the current 30mph limit begins. A 30mph or 40mph relatively short ‘buffer zone’ is provided prior to the 20mph limit to achieve a smoother transition between the national speed limit of 60mph and the lower limits within the village. This affects Shelford Road, Cambridge Road, Hinton Road, Teversham Road, Wilbraham Road and Balsham Road.
The scheme involves no speed bumps, just the occasional small round ‘reminder’ sign fixed to existing posts or street lights.
These proposals will complement the already approved Fulbourn to Cambridge Greenway which includes a 20mph limit to Fulbourn Old Drift, part of Hinton Road, Cow Lane, and Apthorpe Street up to the High Street. In addition, the existing speed bumps in Shelford Road, recently installed at the request of the Parish Council, already effectively reduce the speed in that area to well below the maximum 30mph speed limit.
Fulbourn’s three primary schools and two nursery schools are very keen to ensure a safer environment for their children going to and from the schools, particularly those on foot, bicycle or scooter. With an additional 313 homes now under construction to the west of the village, there will, in time, be significantly more children using the roads and pavements to access the schools and the recreation ground, most of which is to the east of the village. With many areas of the village having a pavement on one side of the road only, there is often the need to cross the road at some point, the safety of which, for both young and old, is improved by slower vehicle speeds.
But slower vehicle speeds will also benefit the whole village – drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike. A recent serious accident at the Balsham Road/Home End junction, on 12 March, was attended by police and ambulances, with both the vehicles involved having to be removed by crane. Your support to help reduce such occurrences will be much appreciated.
You can view the details of the proposals and submit comments by using this link:
https://consultation.appyway.com/south-cambridgeshire
All comment must quote reference PR1021
Documents are also available for inspection during normal opening hours at Fulbourn Village Library in Haggis Gap.
You may also email your comments to:
policyandregulation@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
Or write to:
Frank Jordan, Executive Director, Place and Sustainability
c/o Policy and Regulation
Box No.D8E
Huntingdon Highways Depot
Stanton Way
Huntingdon PE29 6PY
Fulbourn Forum 