A meeting of the Highways & Transport Committee of Cambridgeshire County Council was held on 1st October at New Shire Hall, Alconbury. Part of the agenda was to discuss and decide on Fulbourn’s formal application to adopt a village-wide 20mph speed limit. The application had been made in April 2023 in response to the County’s invitation for towns and villages to apply for funding. Of the more than 70 applications received, just 20 were selected to go forward for that year’s ring-fenced funding.
The Fulbourn scheme was well supported by the police and County Highways officers. As part of the democratic process, following the County’s public consultation in March 2024, the Council invited any interested parties to present their views on the proposals to the committee. There were six such presentations, three in person and three by video link (all Fulbourn residents), with all six presentations strongly in favour. In addition, support was voiced by our County Councillor Claire Daunton and our District Councillor John Williams. The 14-strong committee then questioned, debated and considered the proposal. The application was approved unanimously, a cross-party decision, and one councillor took the time to congratulate the Working Group (six residents including two parish councillors and Fulbourn Forum) on its systematic, comprehensive and rigorous process, including public consultation at all stages. It was recognised that reducing vehicle speeds will help to prevent accidents and injuries, while prioritising the health and wellbeing of residents over commuters. With a more pleasant and comfortable street environment, it is hoped that this will encourage more active travel (walking and cycling) within the village.
The next stage is the formal adoption of the scheme through a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) leading the way to the commencement of work in early 2025. The area covered will largely replace the current 30mph limit, but with a 40mph ‘buffer zone’ between the 60mph on the approach roads and the 20mph limit in the village, to encourage a more controlled transition in vehicle speed.
We know that this outcome will be a huge relief to the many residents, and the village schools, who contacted us with their concerns on road safety.
Fulbourn Forum 