Residents that want to see more 20mph schemes in Cambridgeshire as part of a £400,000 programme can now put their ideas forward. 

Applications for the schemes that would help improve road safety and cut pollution are being welcomed by Cambridgeshire County Council from February 27. 

The county council says more than a dozen areas have been turned into 20mph zones in the last year, with £400,000 designated to help with the programme until 2025. 

Cllr Alex Beckett, chair of the county council’s highways and transport committee, said: “Studies have shown a 1mph drop in speed reduces collisions by six per cent.  

“Reducing speed limits from 30mph to 20mph can cut pollution by 30pc and reduce the chance of a severe or fatal injury in the event of a collision by 60pc.  

“This is why it’s important we continue to create more 20mph areas.” 

READ MORE: Councillors green light new 20mph zones in Cambridgeshire

Applications can be submitted by anyone as long as they have the support of their local parish or town council and county councillor. 

On top of the £400,000 allocated to the programme, an extra £800,000 has been secured in partnership with the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority for area-based schemes across the county. 

A 20mph limit or zone will be prioritised against criteria, including evidence of traffic incidents within an existing 30 or 40mph zone, a cycling route and vulnerable road users. 

Schemes deemed eligible for the 2023-24 window will be approved in September, with construction taking place between April and August next year following design work and consultation. 

Applications can be submitted until April 28 – to apply, visit the ‘20mph Funding’ page on the county council’s website. 

Last October, a motion calling on the council to establish a policy to implement 20mph as the default speed limit on any new residential road being planned was approved.