Reduction in speed on Newmarket Road

11.03.00am GMT Wed 28th Jan 2009

A reduction in the speed limit on Newmarket Road was agreed in principle at the City Council's Joint Highways Agency meeting last week. The reduction from 40mph to 30mph has been championed by the Liberal Democrat Councillors for Eaton Ward through which the Newmarket Road runs.

County Councillor Mervyn Scutter, a member of the Joint Highways committee who spoke at the meeting said "A reduction in speed would result in a safer road for motorists and would encourage more people to walk and cycle."

City Councillor Judith Lubbock also a member of the committee said "It was important to acknowledge the number of driveways which front the road - 57 and the number of roads which are turnings off this short 500 metre stretch of road -14. The driveways and turnings make this a very busy road with potential for accidents. In addition there is a bus and cycle lane, a pedestrian crossing and refuge."

The decision to bring down the speed limit to 30 mph brings the Newmarket Road in line with the Dereham and Ipswich Roads.

The reduction in the speed limit is to be part of a consultation process which also asks the public for their views on the Newmarket bus lane being extended and changed to being 24 hours, 7 days a week. The consultation will take place over the new few months but if people would like to get in touch with the Eaton Councillors Mervyn Scutter and Judith Lubbock their contact details are as follows:-

County Councillor Mervyn Scutter

205 Newmarket Road NR4 6AP

Tel: 454841

email:pamandmerv@btinternet.com

City Councillor Judith Lubbock

422 Unthank Road NR4 7QH

Tel: 504126

email:nlubbock@paston.co.uk