Surrey County Council proposes 20mph speed limit for Guildford residential roads
Locals have until February 8th to give their views on the plans.
Drivers in parts of Guildford could soon face a 20mph speed limit under plans put forward by Surrey County Council.
The proposed speed reduction will cover Bushy Hill Drive and surrounding residential roads, aiming to make streets safer for children walking to school and elderly or disabled individuals.
Residents are encouraged to share feedback via an online form before February 8th.
According to the council, reducing speeds to 20mph offers several benefits, including fewer crashes due to better driver reaction time and less serious injuries since accidents at lower speeds are far less deadly.
Surrey County Council plans to introduce “light-touch measures” such as electronic speed signs or painted road markings on streets where speeds are highest, rather than physical measures like speed bumps.
Speed surveys have shown that most drivers already travel at relatively low speeds in the area, making the proposals easier to enforce naturally.
Police patrols will not be increased, and the scheme is designed to be “self-enforcing” without the need for additional traffic calming.
The estimated cost of implementing the 20mph scheme is £30,000, which will cover design, consultation, legal work, and installation.
This funding is part of a dedicated budget for speed limit changes and cannot be used for road repairs or fixing potholes.
To minimise clutter, any necessary signs will be placed on existing lampposts or poles, with additional signage kept to a minimum.
The proposals affect Bushy Hill Drive and over 80 nearby residential roads. A few of the streets highlighted include:
- Ashbury Crescent
- Boxgrove Lane
- Curlew Gardens
- Duncan Drive
- Kingfisher Drive
- Merrow Street
- Old Merrow Street
- Sheeplands Avenue
- Woodlands Park
- Wykeham Road
Residents are urged to explore the plans and view the full list of roads on the council’s website.
If plans progress after the consultation closes on February 8th, there will be another formal stage for responses.