Plans for 20mph roads in Swaffham still on hold one year after plans outlined by Norfolk County Council and Breckland Council
Plans to create West Norfolk’s first 20mph town are still on hold - almost a year after they were first outlined.
Swaffham is still waiting for a trial to begin, which will see the blanket speed restrictions put in place for six months. Officials hope the project will help improve safety for road users and pedestrians while also tackling air pollution levels.
However, such schemes have proved controversial. A recent decision to reduce speed limits from 30mph to 20mph in all built-up areas in Wales has prompted protests, with critics claiming it represents another “anti-motorist” measure – similar to other traffic schemes like London’s Ulez.
At Swaffham Town Council’s full meeting earlier this month, Cllr Jill Skinner queried whether those contentious low-traffic neighbourhoods could be introduced to tackle pollution levels in the town.
And now, the uncertainty over when the 20mph scheme will begin has left Swaffham mayor and town councillor Stewart Bell frustrated at the lack of progress.
He said: “It is frustrating that it has taken a while.
“Only the other day I saw a motorcyclist travelling about 40mph through town.
“We hope it will create a safer environment for people and providing it is enforced properly then I think it will be a success.
“Currently there is nothing we can do but wait for Breckland Council and Norfolk County Council to finish organising it.”
There remains no confirmed start date for the trial, but Norfolk County Council has said it is still due to take place and more details will be given later this year.
If successful, the scheme could pave the way for 20mph speed limits to be introduced in other Norfolk towns. Some campaigners are calling for them to be launched in Lynn.