In response to a request for support from the Bypass Action Group, RTC Planning and Townscape Committee resolved on Monday, January 16 to investigate the introduction of a 20 mph limit in Rye. Residents, from South Undercliff, Fishmarket Road, New Road and Military Road, would like a 20 mph limit on these four roads but would be happy to see a wider application throughout Rye.
Councillors expressed a mixture of support tempered by caution and a measure of reservation regarding the need for monitoring, collection of data and evidence. The perceived link between action and injury or death and that between traffic flow and higher speeds were cited as factors in official decision making.
The tenor of the meeting was, however, supportive of the residents concerns and council officials would contact “20’s plenty for us” and would report back to the committee.
www.20splenty.org is a not-for-profit organisation which helps communities create a safer environment where they live by setting a mandatory 20mph limit for most roads.
The editor writes:
It is interesting to see results that can be achieved when a group of committed residents becomes organised with a single clearly-defined goal and our Town Council is right to give them support
The roads in question are all residential and, in the case of South Undercliff in particular, narrow with narrow pavements bringing lorries, in particular, perilously close to pedestrians.
A recent visit to New Road showed cars and commercial vehicles travelling at well over the current 30 mph limit and virtually every vehicle setting off the flashing speed limit warning sign. The temporary posters reminding drivers of the speed limit appeared to be having little effect.
Another virtual race track – although not part of the 20 mph campaign – is the one-way system of Ferry Road and Station Approach. The combination of one way and a wider road seems to encourage drivers to ‘put their foot down’ posing a danger to both pedestrians and cyclists. A blanket 20 mph limit throughout the town is perhaps something to be considered.
Photos: library images
Is there not a logical inconsistency in writing: ‘A recent visit to New Road showed cars and commercial vehicles travelling at well over the current 30 mph limit and virtually every vehicle setting off the flashing speed limit warning sign’ beneath an article broadly encouraging the imposition of a 20mph limit?
If drivers do not abide by the existing rule, why believe they will take notice of a stricter one? And if they don’t, what means of enforcement is being proposed?
There is undoubtedly a problem with New Road and in certain parts of Rye a 20mph limit would be sensible. But a blanket 20 mph limit would be excessive, quite impractical on a trunk road like South Undercliff, and no more likely to be obeyed than the current rule.
Simple answers like this may be superficially appealing but are unlikely to solve such a complicated problem.
Please, please do it and include Udimore Road, with its numerous twists and turns, suffering huge lorries constantly exceeding the speed limits and placing residents’ ‘lives in danger as well as causing cracks to appear in their houses by the constant vibrations.
Great idea but don’t forget Winchelsea Road, traffic coming into town frequently exceeds 40+ mph. 20 mph limit would be so welcome!
Thank you for reporting this positively. However, on the issue of a 20 mph speed limit, Highways England, supported by the police, say that it is ‘not a viable option’ as it would prevent traffic on the A259 from moving safely!
I think that a 20mph limit, particularly in the town centre, is a fine idea in principle. If, however, the current 30mph limit is, as you note, largely ignored why should a 20mph limit improve matters? In Brighton, where I also live, we have had a 20mph limit for several years which is also largely ignored – presumably not least as a result of Sussex Police stating that they would not enforce it (the council went ahead on the basis that it should be ‘self-enforcing’!?). Look at the Rye parking situation for a fine example of unenforced regulation and why just wishing for something does not make it so…
… but just like parking speed limits need enforcment
Let us also not forget New winchelsea road, more fatalities have occurred on this stretch of road, than in any other parts of Rye.
I live in Edinburgh, a busy city, and in our neighbourhood and various others across the city, 20 MPH has been introduced. In my experience this has been very positive; a slowing down of most (but not all) vehicles, and some commuters choosing other routes because they are 30/40 MPH. So far we think there is less traffic, as some are put off taking what is the slower route. We are happy about this.