Experimental speed limits to drive fast motorists off the road

Herefordshire Council has responded to the concerns of villagers who say speeding motorists are turning county lanes into a racing track.

The parishes of Callow, Haywood, Dewsall and Twyford are to get experimental speed limits next year in a bid to drive fast cars out off the road in the area.

Cllr Brian Wilcox, cabinet member for highways and transportation, stressed that the limits to be introduced will only be experimental, but evaluation will take place to assess if they should become permanent.

“While national guidelines and local experience shows that blanket speed limits are not the most appropriate way of cutting the number of speeding cars through an area, I’m aware of the concerns expressed by residents of these areas.

“They have experienced motorists speeding through the country lanes form the A465 to the A49. I’ve discussed their concerns with the councils transportation officers and the local councillor for the area, and have agreed to trial an experimental speed restriction of 40mph on most of Haywood Lane.”

He added that this limit will be reduced to 30mph in the village itself, and on the approach roads to the A465.

A number of roads leading to the Callow will also be 40mph.

A legal process has to be followed to make the speed limits enforceable and signs will need to be put up.

“This process will take a while to complete and I estimate that the experimental speed limits will come into force during the spring,” added Cllr Wilcox.