More 20mph zones across Cambridgeshire are due to be in place over the next three years.

Councillors on Cambridgeshire County Council’s highways and transport committee approved more proposed zones to be implemented on December 6.

Around fourteen areas had been introduced to install the speed limits, with £400,000 up to 2024-25 to be spent on the 20mph schemes. 

Cllr Neil Shailer, vice-chair of the highways and transport committee, said: “20mph zones are proven to reduce road collisions, so I am delighted it will now be easier to get new schemes approved. 

“We are determined to make our roads safer and to reduce pollution - both of which are a priority for the joint administration.” 

Further 20mph zones were approved under new criteria which allows the 20mph schemes to be fast-tracked, alongside other areas such as improving safety. 

A 20mph restriction on new developments was also discussed and will be adopted as county council policy. 

The committee heard about objections as part of consultations into proposed 20mph schemes in places such as Godmanchester, Somersham and Duxford but decided to progress each one after officers addressed the issues raised. 

In October, a motion calling on the council to establish a policy to implement 20mph – rather than 30mph - as the default speed limit on any new residential road as part of the planning process was approved. 

Cllr Alex Beckett, chairman of the highways and transport committee, had said travel measures will make a difference to people’s lives. 

“Studies show that a 1mph reduction in mean speed can reduce accidents by six per cent and 20mph zones can reduce casualties by 42 per cent and drop pollution by a third,” he said. 

“I look forward to seeing and hearing about the difference these will make.” 

A 20mph limit typically covers individual or a small number of streets and requires signs only. 

In a 20mph zone, a typically larger area is covered which require both signs and markings. 

Areas already included for the 20mph schemes are: Stilton, Godmanchester, St Neots, Somersham, Woodhurst, Great Gransden, Duxford, Toft, Barton, Hauxton, Oakington and Westwick.

The application process for new 20mph zones is expected to open next February next year with approvals coming in July.