onionbagblog

Finally, finally and it seems that the 20 mph speed limit for lower Wivenhoe is about to come into fruition. We’ve all seen the small signs from the Railway Bridge and further down towards the Quay; we’ve all seen how they have been covered up with bin bags whilst the politicians and police decide the best way to enforce this measure.

It now seems that the 20 mph zone is coming close to actually being implemented. The Gazette is reporting:

“Parents, drivers and community figures have welcomed the mass introduction of 20mph speed restrictions, despite an objection from the police. Thirty one roads in Wivenhoe look set to have the speed limits implemented in July, after more than two years of campaigning.”

This is an issue that continues to take up much discussion at both WTC and NAP meetings. All of those locally involved have sensed much frustration in the length of timeframe that it has taken for this to happen.

I’m still not sure exactly why The Gazette is running with the story right now; the paper itself even refers to July as the potential date for the zone to become law.

It couldn’t have anything to do with *shhh* the impending local elections, could it?

Oh Lordy…

Essex County Councillor, Julie Young, adds:

“When we added Station Road at the request of the Town Council and local residents, it required traffic management measures to be implemented, but residents objected to that, so they have gone forward with a sign-only scheme.”

I would argue that that it is almost impossible to reach speeds of in excess of 20 mph around most streets in lower Wivenhoe. The recent wall damage to the Old Manse reminds us that speed and traditional sailor cottages don’t mix. Station Road remains the exception.

However, it’s not all happy, happy, joy, joy as Wivenhoe gears up (or down) for the great go slow.

‘ello, ‘ello, ‘ello – what’s all this then?

“Essex Police have objected to the 20mph speed limit in Station Road, part of the main B1028, as it says there should be speed humps in place.”

An Essex Police spokesman is quoted as saying:

“Essex Police have lodged an objection to the proposal for a 20mph speed limit for Station Road in Wivenhoe. Station Road is a strategic road in the town. It has no traffic calming measures and is straight.

We believe introducing a 20mph limit with no additional measures would fail to achieve the desired reduction in speed, therefore failing to meet local residents’ expectations.”

Um, isn’t it the job of the police to enforce the law of the land?

Meanwhile, I remain slightly confused over the difference between a 20 mph zone, and a designated 20′s plenty town. This was debated at the recent WTC meeting, but I’m afraid I got lost on the detail. Any clarification in the comments below would be most welcome.