Time to lower dangerous speed limit

Nov 21 2008 By Polly Manser

Everyone who travels along the A40 between Beaconsfield and Holtspur is being urged to help get the speed limit lowered following a history of accidents.

Beaconsfield Town Council wants the limit changed from 50mph to 40mph and has persuaded Buckinghamshire County Council to go back out to public consultation.

Since 2002 there have been 39 accidents with seven people seriously injured and one killed, according to Thames Valley Safer Roads Partnership. The most frequent cause of accidents was "failed to judge other's path or speed." The town council believes there have been many more which did not result in injuries.

Councillor Alan Walters said: " There are so many junctions as well as a hidden dip and two petrol stations, and heavy goods vehicles coming onto the road at Broad Lane. School children have to cross the road to catch buses and parents have problems pulling out and turning in."

Last year the county council decided to reduce the speed on part of the A40 but it agreed to reconsult after pressure from the town council which wants the entire section from Beaconsfield to Holtspur Top Lane subject to a 40mph limit.

Schools have welcomed the town council's actions. Judith Twycross, travel plan co-ordinator for Holtspur School, said: "Though we actively encourage children to walk to school, our main problem is the speed cars travel along Holtspur Top Lane after leaving the A40. A reduction of the speed limit on the A40 could only impact positively on this problem and make the journey to school safer."

James Astbury, head at Butlers Court School, said: "Anything that assists the safety of children travelling to and from school we are all for."

If approved, the new speed limits will be put in place in the spring.

You can comment on the proposals until December 12 by emailing lwitney@buckscc.gov.uk or writing to Laura Witney, Legal and Democratic Services, County Hall, Aylesbury, Bucks HP20 1UA.

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