Romsey

Romsey’s 20mph Zones Edge Closer to Reality

Romsey’s 20mph Zones Edge Closer to Reality

The scheme targets a cluster of streets right in the heart of things: The Hundred, Broadwater Road, Palmerston Street, Bell Street, Church Street, Cherville Street, Greatbridge Road, Middlebridge Street, Mill Lane, Priestlands, Portersbridge Street, Latimer Street, Station Road, and Duttons Road South.

These form the busy arteries where locals nip about and visitors wander between shops, pubs, and the abbey. The idea is straightforward: cap speeds at 20mph to cut risks for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike, especially near schools and crossing points.

Talks kicked off over a year ago, back when Hampshire County Council rolled out a policy letting town councils foot the bill for such changes. Romsey chipped in £5,000 earlier this year for initial designs, but now the full quote has ballooned from £20,000 to £70,000. Councillors mulled it over at a recent meeting, weighing the hit to the budget against the payoff in safer streets.

Mark Cooper, who’s been liaising with the county, admitted the outlay feels steep for what boils down to new signs. Romsey’s bigger footprint means pricier work than in smaller spots, he said, and there’s no telling if it’ll stop climbing with potential shifts in government rules.

Christopher Burkett echoed that unease, pushing for a public poll armed with the fresh figures to see if residents stomach it.

On the other side, Mayor Russell Theron stressed that safety isn’t up for bargaining. Lives matter more than ledgers, he argued, and without hard data on accidents, scrapping it over cash alone seems shortsighted.

The vote swung in favour, though not without tension, and they agreed to cap spending at £70,000 with a review if it creeps higher. Cheaper fixes floated too, like bin stickers urging ’20 is plenty’ or informal caution signs.

For those padding the pavements or easing through on two wheels, this could mean calmer traffic and fewer close calls. Drivers might grumble at first, but the shift aims to make the town feel less like a racetrack. Newcomers parking up for a mooch around the market or a riverside stroll could find it eases navigation amid the historic nooks.

Public input comes next, so expect flyers or online forms soon to sound out views on the updated plan.

Feedback remains sparse, with just one voice from the meeting gallery labelling the £70,000 tab a ridiculous waste, highlighting early scepticism on value.

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