Cllr Rebecca Denness explains the background to Ely City Council’s application for Ely to become a 20mph zone 

“I welcome the current consultation on making Ely a 20mph zone and encourage residents to have their say in the consultation. It will go ahead only if there’s widespread support for the plan. 

“That we are now in consultation follows several years of campaigning by local residents, city councillors, supporters of all political parties and of none. 

“Some years ago, residents of Lisle Lane in Ely worked hard with a former councillor for speed restrictions in their road. The application was refused for technical reasons around the ownership of the lampposts. 

“I had recently become highways lead on the council and I felt huge frustration that so much detailed work had been put into creating a safer area near to accommodation for the elderly and that it had failed. 

“I looked into better solutions and discovered the 20’s Plenty Campaign and got involved, helping to set up a group in Ely about two years ago. I was soon handing out leaflets and posters in local shopping areas (funded by the City Council) and this helped to raise awareness and identify support for the scheme. 

“To be considered for a zone, it must be clear that safety will be improved and that the proposals have local support. 

“Several years of work leading up to this point have helped to provide the information needed that led to Ely being selected for formal consultation. 

“Our application wouldn’t have gone anywhere without the support of Ely’s county councillors and it’s great that they’ve been helping the city council with discussions and our campaign. It’s been a team effort throughout.” 

Cllr Rebecca Denness

Ely City Council