Thousands sign petition to lower town centre speed limit
'The campaign is for a speed limit of 20mph to be normal on residential streets and in towns and village centres'
A further 2,000 people have called for a new speed limit to be imposed in Leek, Staffordshire.
Another 2,000 signatures are to be presented to the next full Staffordshire County Council meeting by county councillor Charlotte Atkins on February 10.
The petition has been organised by Leek resident Roger Warrillow.
Mr Warrillow said: “The total number of signatures delivered so far is 4,000. For a petition to be accepted you need a minimum of 5,000 which hopefully will be accomplished by the next full council meeting in March/April.
“Leek town centre pedestrian and traffic concerns have been badly planned and executed since the removal of the town centre floral roundabout ten years ago, resulting in safety issues and traffic problems.
“The very least the Staffordshire County Highways Department can do is introduce a 20mph speed limit in our ancient market town centre. Leek hopes with this petition, to spearhead and support 20’s Plenty for Staffordshire.
“The campaign is for a speed limit of 20mph to be normal on residential streets and in towns and village centres.”
Councillor Atkins said: “I am delighted to be presenting this petition to the county council. There is an urgent need for better pedestrian safety measures in Leek. Safe pedestrian crossings and lower speed limits have long been promised but not delivered.
“There are detailed existing plans to improve St Edward Street with a 20mph speed limit and the introduction of both controlled and uncontrolled pedestrian crossings. But there is no starting date for these improvements because, as usual, no money has yet been allocated to the scheme.
“I am grateful to Roger Warrillow and all those who signed the petition for helping me put pressure on the county council to take urgent action.”
