Kingston Council’s transport department has now drawn up plans for the Tory proposal of 20mph in Surbtion.

At a full Council meeting in November, the ruling Conservative group overturned a decision by Surbiton Councillors.  The motion, moved by Alexandra ward Councillor Richard Hudson, said “permit 20mph zones in the immediate vicinity (up to 100m from the entrances) of schools contained within the original proposed 20 mph zone”. This leaves some roads being a mixture of 20mph and 30mph.  For example:

• Surbiton Hill Road would be 20mph at both ends (for Hollyfield School and Surbiton High School) and 30mph for about 150m in the middle!
• North Road would be 30mph whilst the roads at either end (St Andrews Road and St James Road) would be 20mph!
• Much of Avenue Elmers would be 20mph, but the cul-de-sac off it – Ardmay Gardens – would be 30mph!

All of these changes in speed limits would need to be sign posted – increasing street clutter and confusing drivers.  It would turn Surbiton’s roads into a dog’s dinner! The extra signs would also cost more to implement by about £7,000.  It shows that the Conservatives did not think through their proposal or do they just not care about what Surbiton looks like?

says St Mark’s Ward Councillor Yogan Yoganathan

Here is the drawings from Kingston Council that show how many confusing speed signs would be needed in Surbiton Hill Road area – Surbiton 20mph 100m

And for the North Road/ St James Road/St Andrews Road central area – Surbtion 20mph 100m central