Back in January this year, we updated on the ridiculous process that has been put in place by the Conservative administration on a 20mph speed limit in Surbiton’s residential roads. The highlights up to that point were:

• In July 2014, Kingston council consulted on a 20mph in residential roads.
• In November 2014, the Conservatives used constitutional powers to reject the majority view on that consultation and the petition of 100’s of signatures. Further consultation was refused until after a Council review of consultation processes.
• In February 2015, a limited scheme was introduced outside schools only. Leading to a dogs dinner of speed limits across central Surbiton – for example Surbiton Hill Road is now 20mph, but the main shopping area is 30mph!

Since then things have gone from bad to worse!

• Iin February 2015 we learnt that the review of the consultation process, which had been due that month, had been delayed to annual Council in May 2015.
• In May 2015, we learnt the consultation review has again been delayed, with no new timescale.
• St Mark’s Ward councillors continue to chase officers and the administration on what is happening.

Our petition on implementing 20mph is still live. Please sign the petition, if you have not already done so.

The Tory administration likes to keep residents and opposition councillors like mushrooms – in the dark over everything.  You have told us it is difficult to get answers, we have tried also, but either the Conservatives are making it up as they go along, or deliberately blocking our questions.

Given even the Tory’s own all-in-one survey, upon which new policies are supposed to be being decided, showed that 44% of respondents support 20mph, compared to 36% against. If the original decision by Surbiton Councillors had been implemented, our residential roads would have been 20mph since November 2014. It will now be at least a year later, before anything can be done.

When will residents of Surbiton get to have their say on 20mph in their residential roads?

asks Cllr Liz Green, St Mark’s Ward Councillor and Leader of the Opposition.