Cheshire West speed limits introduction branded 'against the spirit of democracy'

Bringing in borough-wide 20mph speed limits across Cheshire West without a public consultation has been branded ‘against the spirit of democracy’.

Concerns have been raised by the Conservative opposition about the new restrictions on residential roads.

Eight Conservative opposition councillors have called in the decision, which was voted through by Labour on January 6.

They include previous council leader Mike Jones and Lord Mayor of Chester Hugo Deynem.

A Cheshire West and Chester Council call-in sub committee will held on February 8.

A call-in notice said: “We are very concerned that this proposal is being undertaken with no consultation process, or involvement with residents, and without giving residents the opportunity to have a vote or say in the proposal, even though it will impact on their individual roads.

“This is against the spirit of democracy as practiced by CWaC for putting residents at the heart of decision making.”

The opposition say this is to make sure the community and those who are affected have ‘a clear understanding’ of any proposals.

Cabinet member for economic development and infrastructure Cllr Brian Clarke said the scheme brought ‘significant’ benefits.

He said: “These will improve community cohesion and individual mental wellbeing.

“People will be spending more time in their street rather than trying to get away from the traffic which is actually there.

“Everyone will feel safer to walk, to jog, to cycle.”

In our story poll 60% of those who voted supported the introduction of the 20mph limits.

Road safety campaign groups Living Streets North West and 20’s Plenty for Us also backed the decision.

A funding pot of £200,000 will be set aside each year to implement the changes, which affects streets near schools or without off-road parking.

It is hoped the changes will save lives with an estimated 6% reduction in the number of crashes.

See where your area is affected; including Chester, Ellesmere Port and Frodsham, in our gallery below:

The borough-wide introduction replaces the old policy where 20mph limits could only be brought in with more than 50% support from households in the area.

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