I wish to reassert my total opposition to the proposed 20mph speed limit in Surbiton.

There is not expected to be any reduction in accidents, as should be expected.

Accident levels are low, and the reduction in speed is not going to be expected to reduce that number, based on the well used statistics that signs reduce speed by an average of 1mph, and that every 1mph reduction is supposed to reduce accidents by seven per cent.

Similarly, there is no evidence that this will make any roads outside schools any safer.  There aren't the issues in the first place.  The only change will be confusion - and that could lead to accidents.

There is no evidence that this will encourage walking or cycling.  It does not provide segregated cycle paths, more pavements, or reduced traffic, only more signs and more confusion. 

People are quite capable of deciding when they can walk and when they need the car, and it seems pretty clear that many supposedly potential cyclists will not cycle on roads unless completely traffic free, with speed totally irrelevant. 

This will not improve the area or the neighbourhood.

Seeking to control and interfere in people's actions every time they leave the house is not condusive to improving any area or neighbourhood. 

Uglifying the place with signs and colours to reinforce the oppression is not condusive to improving any area or neighbourhood. 

Having a split in policy whereby there is a repressive limit with the intention of discouraging car use on one side and a new council policy of introducing limited free parking outside shops with the intention of encouraging car users, is also hardly a confidence-boosting reflection on this proposal.

Surbiton is a nice town, and I have been proud and indeed militantly supportive of living here.  But this scheme intends to ruin everying nice about the atmosphere in this town.

I consider this will have a direct effect on who I vote for in next year's General Election.

Adam Nakar

BERRYLANDS

 



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