A petition to install 20mph speed limits in Brighstone will still be presented to the Isle of Wight Council, despite a top councillor saying it would not be determined until the end of the year.
A campaign started in the village has attracted nearly 290 signatures — including those of the local councillor and Island MP — to reduce the speed limits on the Main Road, Moortown Lane, Upper Lane and North Street.
Villagers Graham and Christine Robinson revived efforts to introduce the lower speed limits, following on from efforts by Brighstone Parish Council.
Mr Robinson described the main road through the village as dangerous, windy and narrow in places with a considerable lack of pavements while serving key hubs of the community like the primary school, pub and shops.
With the road not only used by cars and buses but also farm traffic and cyclists, Mr Robinson said it has been fortuitous there have been no accidents.
He said:
“We believe reducing the speed, although some people won’t adhere to it, will help.”
Mr Robinson did not, however, think any traffic-calming measures, like speed bumps, would slow traffic down and could be more trouble than they were worth, should they be installed.
Despite the success of the petition, it may be a while before any change is implemented.
Speaking at the cabinet meeting last week, Cllr Phil Jordan, who is now in charge of the Island’s infrastructure and transport portfolio, said he had been approached by councillors and members of the public to install 20mph zones in certain areas.
He said:
“Each member believes their village or town is the most important.
“It is what we are elected for, I understand that, but until the strategic speed review is complete at the end of the year or the start of 2022, we won’t be making decisions.”
The review is currently looking at the limits in place, with recommendations due to come to the council.
Mr Robinson said they accepted what Cllr Jordan said but hoped the campaign will have some influence on the speed review and is still hoping to present the petition to the council.
If one thinks that reducing the speed limit to 20 mph will work, think again and take the time and trouble to go and
watch the speed of the traffic through Newchurch. It does NOT work…
It doesn’t work in Brading either. I visit there regularly and cars go through there too quick.
So less than 20% of residents have voted for this and if it goes ahead 100% will be expected to obey it, yet another case of minority rule, does the island really want to follow the mainland down this horrible path?
Surely if there have been no accidents there is no need to impose this limit, one which is unenforceable anyway as the police are not interested, as John says it is the vociferous minority seeking to force their views on everyone else.
I drive that area regularly and have very rarely experienced a problem related to speed only the inevitable tractor holdups which are a part of rural living .
Reg, you’re right. No issues in Brighstone Village, enforce Military Road instead. That’s where the 2-stroke dangers lurk
Absolute rubbish what major accidents have take place along Military road.
Ron, where have you been? Just moved over? Solo motorbike fatality on Grange Chine Bridge, another fatality involving motorbike southdown Lane Junction with Military Road. Lad from Freshwater rolled his vehicle on the straight near Atherfield, There’s three for you. Guess you might get a splilt ice cream in Brighstone.
Really… maybe you should go to Specsavers ron…
Rocket Ron….your back mate!…x
Would be better sorting the local cars that are always parked inconsiderately usually blocking the road.
The main danger Brighstone is the cars that are not moving at all. The abandoning of cars outside the shop and pub etc just so the occupants don’t have to walk more than 5 yards is getting worse. You would do more for road safety to ban parking along there.
Make it whatever speed limit you want. No one takes any notice as its not enforced so its pointless.
When idiot drivers can race around residential roads at all hours of day and night with modified silencers and backfiring engines and the police do f* – all about it, what use is a speed limit?
If modified exhaust and not informed their insurance company, they may not be insured…
Myself I would like to see 20mph limit throughout back streets of Ryde, especially the rat trails.. But what’s the point if there is no one to stop those already speeding..
I was walking back to Ryde todays and a couple of young lads in a light blue car, driver was making it backfire often, and the exhaust has been modified to sound like an old tank… bnut nothing is ever done…