Village has mixed views on 20mph zone plans

A village shopkeeper who says some cars drive past so quickly that the building "trembles" has welcomed plans to introduce stricter speed limits.

Cambridgeshire county councillors meet on Wednesday to discuss plans to turn Linton into a 20 mph (32km/h) zone.

The council plans to introduce several 20mph areas across the county, including in Great Wilbraham, near Cambridge, and Elton, near Peterborough.

The BBC has asked people in Linton for their views and while most were supportive of the plans, others thought the money could be better spent elsewhere.

Ryan Forte from Linton's corner shop and post office said it could be a good thing for the village.

"Some cars, they just rush past without minding about other people," he said.

"Because it's a small, old building you get the trembles here – it's really bad sometimes."

Delivery driver Jason Middleton thought the money could be better spent elsewhere, though.

"There are some potholes that are incredibly deep and dangerous and I think those should obviously be looked at first," he said.

Louise Flecknell, who works in the bakery, said a 20mph speed limit would be better for customers, especially for children coming and going.

"I think it's a really good idea," she said, adding: "I do think it's a lot safer."

Jade Webb, a young mother, said the move would be "quite sensible" because areas like the high street were often blocked with parked cars.

"When cars are rushing through you don't often have time to get out the way so if it's a bit slower it'd just be a bit safer for everyone."

The scheme would impose a 20mph speed limit on most residential roads in the built-up part of Linton except for the A1307.

A new 40mph buffer zone would be introduced on some roads leading into the village to "provide a smoother transition" between fast and slower roads.

A report presented ahead of Wednesday's meeting said there were 13 objections and 45 submissions of support from residents.

The council acknowledged that opinions varied on 20mph zones but said Linton had overall "strong support" for the new limit.

The county council is spending £150,000 a year on infrastructure for new 20mph schemes, such as road markings and signs, with plans to fund eight individual schemes per year.

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