Link to the petition as detailed below
The bustling nature of through-traffic in Repton and Milton, villages in Derbyshire, has become a persistent worry for us residents, particularly due to the disregard for our safety exhibited by speeding vehicles. This hustle undeniably jeopardizes safety of our residents and the peaceful environment – the very essence of our villages. Fuelled by concerns arising from Community Speedwatch data, the Repton Parish Council has decided to make a stand.
It is our belief that implementing a 20mph speed limit within the villages, particularly in residential areas, near schools and around village amenities including Repton’s High Street, is an urgent necessity to safeguard our community.
Reducing the default speed limit on built-up roads in Wales to 20mph has brought multiple benefits – lower speeds have led to 678 (28%) fewer casualties in the twelve months after the national speed limit change compared to the previous year, including 10 fewer deaths.
Why 20mph?
- Safer: The UK’s Department for Transport estimates that a 1mph speed reduction in built-up areas reduces casualties by 6%. The new national default 20mph in Wales has led to 28% fewer casualties. If you hit a pedestrian: at 30 mph there is a 20 percent chance they will be killed whereas at 20 mph there is a 2.5 percent chance they will be killed[1].
- Cleaner and quieter: 20mph reduces tail-pipe emissions by 25% compared with 30mph and is 50% quieter.
- Healthier: Slower speeds help to build inclusive communities where people and their activities are prioritised. People feel safer to walk.
- Popular: National and local surveys show 70% support for 20mph in residential streets. Support grows once it is introduced.
- Accepted: As well as being standard in many places in England, throughout Wales and (by the end of 2025) in Scotland, 20mph is global best practice where people mix with motor traffic.
- Compliance: 20mph is as enforceable as any speed limit. Even without extra police enforcement, speeds can drop by up to 6mph on faster roads.
- Cost effective: 20mph brings economic, social and environmental benefits at a low cost. Simple signs are enough to remind drivers, without the need for physical changes or extra enforcement.
- Little impact on journey times: In built-up areas, 20mph limits do not usually affect travel time or bus schedules since congestion and crossings are the main factors.
- Reduced cost for drivers: as well as lower speeds requiring less fuel, drivers can benefit from reduced insurance premia where 20mph is introduced widely
Speedwatch results indicate that our community’s safety is constantly compromised by vehicles not respecting speed regulations. This issue extends past single incidents; it is a persistent issue that threatens life and limb and robs us of our villages’ tranquillity. Many villages in England have already implemented 20mph and this is increasingly normal. Thus, we will petition Derbyshire County Council, urging them to implement a 20mph limit in Milton and Repton.
We believe that our proposal for a 20mph speed limit across residential roads, school areas and village amenities in Milton and Repton is crucial, not just for our serenity, but ultimately for our safety. As residents, parents and concerned citizens, we petition the Derbyshire County Council to implement change, prioritise our safety and ensure our cherished villages remains a safe haven for all their residents. Please sign this petition to support us in discussions with DCC to implement 20mph zones in critical areas of Repton and Milton
[1] https://www.roadwise.co.uk/using-the-road/speeding/the-chance-of-a-pedestrian-surviving/#:~:text=at%2030%20mph%20there%20is,chance%20they%20will%20be%20killed.