'20s Plenty' petition for Ludlow

The idea of Ludlow becoming "20s Plenty" town was first mooted in January, but now campaigners have started a petition to move things along and show that there is support out there.

The petition has been started by Ludlow 21 sustainable transport group and has the backing of People4Ludlow, an umbrella group for various campaigning community organisations, and the group hope to get 1,000 signatures to take to Shropshire Council to be considered.

The move would mean town centre streets and residential roads alike would be covered by a 20mph zone.

The "20s Plenty For Us" campaign is a national initiative with 300 similar campaigns across the country.

The Ludlow Petition has been started by town councillor Jim Smithers, who said: "Community-wide 20mph speed limits are now recognised as the single most effective action that local councils can take to promote health and safety in their communities.

"80 per cent of households surveyed in 'problem' streets in Ludlow have already voted for a community-wide 20 mph speed limit."

He said the zones would target where people live, play or work and could be implemented with simple signs and without traffic calming measures such as speed bumps.

Ludlow Town Council said previously that public support is “absolutely key” to decide whether to pursue the move or not.

Campaigner David Currant, a member of the Ludlow 21, admitted it would be a “big cultural change” for people in the town, but said there were proven benefits in reducing serious accidents, noise and air pollution.

As well as 22 per cent fewer casualties and less serious injuries if hit at 20mph rather than 30mph, he said: "Fear of road danger reduces, increasing the trips by sustainable modes like walking, cycling and public transport. Public health improves generally with cleaner air and as more people take regular exercise with active travel, for example cycling and even walking to the bus.

"The elderly, families with small children and those with mobility issues or without cars are more able to cross roads, reducing isolation.

"Both Ludlow Town Council and Shropshire Council are aware of this campaign. The town council will consider support for the campaign if we have community buy-in and, once that has happened, Ludlow can approach Shropshire Council, as our local Highways Authority, to request implementation.

"This is the start of the information dissemination phase of the campaign and, as this progresses, we shall be carrying out street surveys to gauge support for a 20mph limit throughout the town.

"We hope you will be excited by this initiative to make Ludlow a safer, healthier and more community-spirited place and would like to hear your views."

For more information or to access the petition, visit the People4Ludlow website at people4ludlow.wordpress.com.