Halstead Town Council pushing for 20mph speed limit for town

At a meeting last week, the council threw its support behind the 20’s Plenty for Essex campaign, and are set to call on Essex County Council to implement the blanket 20mph limit in Halstead.

The campaign aims to introduce a blanket 20mph speed limit to residential areas in towns and villages in a bid to improve safety.

It also hopes to promote a change in mindset where the safety and comfort of people within communities takes precedence over the time saved for people driving through them.

Halstead town councillors Mick Radley and Dave Gronland attended online meetings in November along with representatives from other Essex councils.

Mr Gronland has previously attended other meetings and is a big advocate for 20’s Plenty.

He has tried previously to get the 20’s Plenty implemented in parts of Halstead, but it has been rejected.

Now, he hopes to push it forwards and bring it to the town.

He said: “Lots are doing it, I would like to be able to take the credit, but it has all happened at similar times - lots of people are getting involved now.

“The Essex Association for Local Councils has got plenty of parish councils showing support to 20’s Plenty in the Braintree district.

“People might say how are you going to enforce it, but that is daft, it will drag the speed down on average, there is proof it works.

“I know others might think it is too slow, but what they found on some journeys is that you are talking barely minutes longer, nothing like what people are saying, and it is only on residential roads.”