20mph zone: Is it a war on motorists?

IT’S either a sensible move that will make people safer and the air cleaner, or a declaration of “war on the motorist” and the extension of the “surveillance state”, depending on how you look at Plymouth’s proposed 20mph scheme.

- WILLIAM TELFORD

At a one-day consultation in Victoria Park, people braved driving rain to have their say on plans to restrict speeds in a huge area of Stoke and north Stonehouse, enforced by up to 20 average speed cameras.

Dozens of people turned up to chat to Plymouth City Council officers and ward councillors about the proposal, which would cover a vast patch bordered by Saltash Road, Western Approach and Union Street to as far as Stonehouse Bridge, and the main railway line from Cornwall to the station.

Many were residents in the zone, but there were also a lot who drive for a living, whether delivery vans or taxis. Lots supported the idea, but others had strong views against it, although several on both sides saw virtues in parts of the proposal but wanted other aspects dumped and a “compromise” found.

The council has stressed the proposed area, which covers 98 streets, was chosen because there had been safety concerns, with one fatal collision on the roads in the past five years. The council has stressed it is not a money-making scheme, with any cash from fines going to the Government.

The proposals aim to reduce speed on the approach to the proposed crossing in Eldad Hill, where there have been requests for 20mph limits due to the high speeds, the volume of traffic and narrow footpath. The zone would also reduce congestion and lower the amount of carbon emissions from traffic, the council said.