PLANS unveiled on Monday that could see the speed limit on the A10 cut to 50mph between Cambridge and Ely have been described as “unnecessary” by a councillor.

Cambridgeshire County Council (CCC) officials announced that the plans formed part of a bid to improve safety on the busy main road, which has seen 96 accidents over a three year period.

But councillor Bill Hunt, who is campaigning for improved safety measures on the A10, has said reducing the limit on the entire length of the road, which runs for 12 miles, would be “frustrating” and wouldn’t serve any purpose.

“My feeling is that it is a bit unnecessary,” said Cllr Hunt. “It might lead to frustration for motorists, it won’t serve any purpose and I can see it causing motorists a lot of aggravation.

“I’m totally in support of the speed limit being reduced at Little Thetford but I think the general reduction is a bit too far.”

CCC said that speed tests carried out on the road showed that on average traffic was travelling around the 50mph mark in the stretches of road which currently have a 60mph limit.

Transport chiefs also added that the 40mph in place from the A1123 roundabout to Stretham would remain unaffected.

Cambridgeshire County Councillor Steve Criswell, cabinet member for community infrastructure, said: “This is part of our countywide review of speed limits following national guidelines on reducing speeds. There are a number of villages along this route and nearly 100 injury accidents in the last three years.

“Anyone who drives this road knows how congested it gets and the accidents that are on there, it is hoped the new speed limit will improve this.”

The order to reduce the limit will be published in the coming weeks and residents will be able to raise any objections.