Greener town initiative for Long Eaton

People living and working in Long Eaton could be asked for their views on having 20 mph limits in their town as part of a Greener Towns initiative.

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet will consider a report at a meeting on 12th January which asks for approval for a consultation on a Greener Towns initiative for the area. 

The Greener Towns initiative would mean a 20 mph limit which could improve health and could encourage healthier and more sustainable modes of transport. A lower safer speed, with fewer accelerations and decelerations would improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions, and could encourage more people to walk or cycle for shorter journeys. 

During the consultation, people will be asked for their views on having a 20 mph limit and if they think it would make a difference to the environment, their travel choices, road safety, air quality and their health and wellbeing.

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Assets and Transport, Councillor Kewal Singh Athwal, said: “It is important that we take into account the views of local people in Long Eaton before we start a 20 mph limit in the town.

“We think that a 20 mph limit could improve health by improving air quality and hopefully get more people out of their cars and walk or cycle to make short local journeys, but the only way we will really know is to do some trials.

“This public consultation is an important first step in finding out what people initially think about the idea, and I look forward to hearing their views, should my cabinet colleagues approve this report.”

If the report is approved, a consultation will start by the end of January, with public events taking place locally. Long Eaton has been chosen to take part in this project due to current traffic issues which may be resolved with a 20 mph limit.

Following the consultation, a further report will be prepared to look at the findings and whether or not to go ahead with a 20 mph limit in the area.