There was a motion at East Sussex County Council to make 20MPH the default speed limit in East Sussex towns and villages.
The motion was jointly proposed by Jonny Denis, Green County Councillor and Kathryn Field, Lib Dem County Councillor.
To support this motion one of our members,Sue Burton, wrote this letter to the Bexhill and Battle Observer which was published 2 July 2021.
"In last week’s Bexhill and Battle observer we were informed that Councillor Claire Dowling, did not give her support for a motion for 20mph to be a 'default speed limit for all urban and village roads in East Sussex'.
"The officers say they do not have the resources. This is positive support rather than saying it’s not the right thing for our East Sussex roads.
"The officers have clearly spoken to the children and parents who want to walk and cycle to get to school but can’t because they are frightened for their safety.
"They must have also spoken to the dog walkers who want a more peaceful walk especially where there is no pavement.
"They must have spoken to the many car drivers who wouldn’t mind they journey taking just a few minutes longer know that if a child runs into the road their survival rate is significantly higher if they are travelling at 20mph. If 20 mph were the default speed limit doesn’t that mean that the change could happen gradually.
"Surely it costs the same to put up a sign for 20mph than 30 mph? rather than a labour intensive process for both East Sussex officers and the community of a particular town or village asking for 20mph.
"Please consider all this when this matter is voted on.
"Sue Burton"
