Areas of Plymouth to get new 20mph speed limit

A proposal to reduce some Plymouth roads to 20mph speed limits has been approved following a public consultation.

The first phase will see the speed limit reduced in parts of Stoke and Stonehouse with the aim of making it safer for children travelling to school, said Plymouth City Council.

More than 360 people voiced their views in the consultation with many people living in the proposed zone in favour of the scheme, the council said.

Councillor Mark Coker said: "Let me be clear. This scheme is not about the council raising money. The council does not receive a penny from speed cameras. This is about keeping people safe."

"Overall, views were fairly evenly split but the proportion of local residents in favour was a lot higher than the proportion of those against – and these are the people most affected," he said.

"Many in favour of the scheme asked for it to be extended to surrounding areas or other parts of the city.

"We have decided that the safety of children travelling to and from school has to be our number one focus.

"None of the negative arguments in the consultation were more important than the safety of our youngest residents."

The scheme will be launched in the spring with plans to introduce the remainder of the zone within two years, a council spokesperson said.

Britta Nicholls, head teacher at Stuart Road Primary Academy, said: "The 20-zone proposal will impact greatly on the safety of its pupils and families who attend the school.

"As many children walk, scooter or cycle to Stuart Road, the 20mph zone will ensure a safer journey to and from the school."

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