Petition calls for road speed limit reduction

An online petition has been set up calling for the speed limit on a village road to be reduced.

Campaigners want the limit on Beckingham Road at Coddington cut to 30mph. At present it is 50mph, reducing to 40mph through the village.

Mr Johno Lee, the Newark and Sherwood district councillor for the area, who set up the petition, said there were 50 signatures in the first 20 minutes of it going live.

He said as Coddington Primary School was nearby it was important the limit was reduced.

He believed the road was one of very few outside schools in the county where the speed limit had not been cut to 20mph to protect pupils.

“There are large numbers of vulnerable young people outside when school starts and finishes,” said Mr Lee.

“Research has found clear evidence that decreased traffic speeds reduce collisions and casualties. Collisions happen less often and when they do there is less risk of fatal injury.

“The 30mph speed limits introduced elsewhere in the UK have provided additional benefits, including health benefits through increased walking and cycling, as well as improving quality of life and the community.”

'The village needs a 30mph limit'

On the petition page, Facebook user Louise Gosling said: “Why is Beckingham Road 40-50mph when there are a lot of children who walk to school and cycle to school; more houses being put up in the area, so more traffic?”

Jilly Wallis wrote: “Friends live in Coddington and their children attend the school. ­Their safety is more important than being able to drive 20mph faster on this road. Makes perfect sense that it should be no more than 30.”

Paul Jones wrote: “The village needs a 30mph limit as it has become a bypass/short cut to the A1 from the A17. Accidents are on the increase at the village junction.”

Nottinghamshire County Council’s team manager for transport planning and development, Mr Kevin Sharman, said: “We are aware of concerns regarding the speed limit outside Coddington Church of England Primary School.

“Road safety is a priority for us, particularly close to schools in the county.

“Due to the proximity of the school to Beckingham Road, we are unable to practically implement a 20mph advisory speed limit.

“We have, however, requested flashing amber school warning lights to be installed on the approach to school to increase visibility and further warn motorists of the presence of children at peak school times.”

To sign the petition, which now has around 140 supporters, go to the speed reduction in Coddington petition page.