Permanent 20mph zone for the centre of Saffron Walden

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R4U has welcomed the recent decision by Essex Highways to install a permanent 20mph zone covering the centre of Saffron Walden.

In 2020, a 20mph zone was implemented in the centre of Saffron Walden as part of the national Covid-related measures to improve pedestrian access in Uttlesford. The zone was installed initially on a temporary basis, and then made more permanent towards the end of 2020. However, Government rules mean that Covid-related traffic measures have now ceased unless extended locally.

The temporary 20mph zone covered the area bounded by the High St, George St, Common Hill and Castle St; because it was implemented in a hurry, the signage was not particularly clear. The new, permanent 20mph zone has been extended to include East St and Audley Road, the roads between and also the side-roads off the High St including the Gibson Way/Abbey Lane area.

Paul Gadd (R4U) Paul Gadd (R4U)

R4U’s Cllr Paul Gadd, Essex County Councillor for Saffron Walden and the Leader of the Town Council, said “I’m delighted that the 20mph zone has now been made permanent. The need for 20mph zones has been a long-standing issue for residents and the Town Council and I have been lobbying hard for them. As part of their consultation, Essex Highways did also look at extending the 20mph zone further, for example to include South Road, but thought that went further than the original “Town centre” scope of the original scheme, and should therefore be looked at separately. I’m talking to Essex Highways, and residents, about where further 20mph zones might be implemented.”

Cllr Gadd continued “Essex Highways are currently part way through the process of implementing the scheme, and so some signs have not yet been changed, and have been the subject of letters in the paper over the last few weeks. Once the scheme has been finished, if there are any signs which have been over-looked, please contact me at cllr.paul.gadd@essex.gov.uk.”

Martin Foley (R4U) Martin Foley (R4U)

R4U’s Cllr Martin Foley, Essex County Councillor for the Thaxted division, added “Reducing vehicle speed in residential areas is an important part of making our communities safer and easier to live in. I’m pleased the trial in Saffron Walden went well and the 20mph limits are now permanent. R4U has county councillors in the Saffron Walden and Thaxted divisions, so we’re also looking to do similar in Thaxted. Residents who live there should look out for a public consultation later this autumn.”

The new Saffron Walden permanent 20mph limits add to the existing ones on Castle and Museum Streets.

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About Residents for Uttlesford

Residents for Uttlesford (R4U) is the local independent party of north-west Essex towns and villages. It believes that on local issues residents should decide, not Westminster parties. R4U’s success has been based on the desire to give local people a voice and implement long range strategic and sustainable plans for where they live. It has turned around both councils it has been elected to lead to make them now multi award-winning.

R4U leads Uttlesford District Council (UDC). In its first election in 2015 it became the second party at UDC. In May 2019, it gained majority control of the authority by inflicting the biggest loss of seats on any Conservative controlled council in the UK. In May 2023, R4U retained control of UDC.

R4U also leads Saffron Walden Town Council, where under its stewardship the council since 2015 it has rebuilt finances, invested in community assets, and won multiple awards, including the best run council in Essex.

Residents for Uttlesford can be found on the web at www.residents4u.org.

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