Twitchen Speed Limit Consultation

Change to speed limit along the B4385 north side of Twitchen

In response to public concern regarding speeding traffic along the B4385 through
Twitchen and following meetings between Twitchen residents, the Parish Council
and the then Highways Officer a proposal was put forward to make changes to the
existing 30mph zone through the hamlet. A public consultation was instigated
towards the end of 2020 with the public asked to consider the following scheme:
The creation of a signed 40mph buffer zone, and a reduction in length of
the existing signed 30mph speed limit on the B4385 northern approach to
Twitchen, will allow for appropriate enforcement of the speed limit, and this
will improve road safety along the stretch of road.

A plan is provided via link twitchen-speed-limit-deposit-plan. which shows highlighted in                                                                    red the section of the B4385 where the existing 30mph speed limit will be increased to 40mph.                                                              Shown highlighted in blue is the section of B4385 through Twitchen where the existing 30mph                                                      speed limit will remain.

Following the completion of the Public Consultation on 17th December 2020 the
Council proceeded to make plans for implementation of the scheme. However, for
reasons unknown there have been lengthy delays in works taking place, such that
they have still not been implemented. Following enquires by the Parish Council it is
now intended that the works will be completed by April 2026.

It may seem strange to some people as to why the speed limit is going to be
increased from 30mph to 40mph along a section of the road into Twitchen, when the
aim is to reduce the speed of traffic. The answer to this question lies in some
technical manual relating to highway design and legalities surrounding prosecution
for speeding in certain zones. The simple answer is that currently the Police are
unable to prosecute anyone for speeding through Twitchen because the existing
30mph zone is legally too long. Therefore, by introducing the 40mph buffer zone the
30mph zone will effectively be shortened to a length that will allow the police to
prosecute drivers for speeding. It is envisaged that the threat of prosecution will help
to ensure that drivers are more careful about how fast they are driving.

Naturally with such a scheme there are pros and cons and some Twitchen residents,
most notably some living on the outskirts where the speed limit will be increased, are
not happy and do not want to see the changes implemented. Whereas on the flip
side Twitchen residents in the built-up area of the hamlet might well be quite happy
to see the changes?

In response to the pending works and bearing in mind the length of time that has
past since the Public Consultation, the Parish Council are seeking views from
Twitchen residents and any members of the public who wish to comment on this
matter.

Please contact the Parish Council soonest directly using the email
‘clerk@clunburyparishcouncil.gov.uk’ or speak to your local Councillor.

Thank you.

Nick Morgan – Councillor