Cambridgeshire County Council has approved the introduction of 20mph zones in Huntingdon. 

At a meeting of the Highways and Transport Committee on Tuesday (July 23), councillors voted by a majority to approve the speed restriction. 

The committee was asked to consider the implementation of the 20mph speed limit in addition to the objections and other written representations received during the public notice period. 

Local councillors reviewed the consultation feedback at a delegated decision meeting with local county councillors on March 18. 

However, it came to light that there was an error in considering feedback received as part of the decision, with 34 responses omitted.  

There were also issues around the delegated decision-making process and an amended report including additional comments was discussed during yesterday's meeting. 

The scheme will be introduced on most residential streets within the built-up areas in Huntingdon, except for a number of through-routes. 

These include the Ring Road, Stukeley Road, Ermine Street, Edison Bell Way, Brampton Road, Hartford Road, Sapley Road, Coneygeare Road and part of St. Peter’s Road.

Of the written representations received by Cambridgeshire County Council, 50 per cent "wholly object" to the proposal, while 19 per cent "wholly support" and 17 per cent "partly support." 

The Huntingdon 20mph project is being funded as part of the Transforming Cities Fund Programme, approved by the Highways and Transport Committee in December 2022. 

The County Council said that a review of the speed limit will be undertaken after an "appropriate length of time" following its implementation, including a review of validated collision data.

Cllr Alex Beckett, chair of the Highways and Transport Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “Due to the responses that were omitted and councillors being unable to unanimously come to a decision, I wanted to discuss the 20mph zone for Huntingdon at committee.

“We had a good debate today and it was helpful to hear from residents, councillors and Huntingdon Town Council, which is why I’ve asked for a report to come back to committee in two years on the effectiveness of 20mph schemes, including this scheme for Huntingdon.

“Studies have shown even a 1mph drop in speed reduces collisions by 6 per cent. Reducing speed limits from 30mph to 20mph can cut pollution by 30 per cent and reduce the chance of a severe or fatal injury in the event of a collision by a staggering 60 per cent.

“In areas where lower speed limits are introduced, people also become more confident to go out walking and cycling, or use other forms of non-motorised transport.

“Following the tragic death of Mike Gough and having recently attended his vigil, I believe 20mph in parts of Huntingdon is the right decision and I look forward to seeing residents benefitting from safer travel and cleaner air too, which will help create a greener Cambridgeshire for everyone.”