CALLS to introduce 20mph limits on most of Ledbury's streets have been both wholeheartedly backed and rigorously questioned.

A Professor of sustainable transport, John Whitelegg has called on Herefordshire Council to adopt 20mph speed limits on the majority of streets and roads where people live.

But while Ledbury South councillor Stef Simmons has questioned what the hold up for the scheme is, town councillor Ewen Sinclair has slammed any idea of a blanket 20mph rule.

Prof Whitelegg said if someone is struck at 20mph they have a 90 per cent chance of survival compared to a 50 per cent chance if hit at 30mph. 

Cllr Sinclair has criticised the idea of blanket 20mph zones, claiming they have been a disaster in Wales.

He added: "Millions are spent imposing them to then spend more changing them back to 30mph. 

"However, targeted 20mph zones are something I completely agree with. 

"In Ledbury, there are two places where a 20mph restriction should be imposed, on the Southend, from the junction with Mabels Furlong to Top Cross, and on Long Acres and Orchard Lane, from the junction with Margaret Road to the junction with Belle Orchard.

"These are both outside schools and I believe that the majority of residents would agree with me."

At a full council meeting in March 2020, Herefordshire Council requested that the executive undertake an investigation concerning the introduction of area-wide 20mph speed limits across Herefordshire’s towns and major villages. 

Cllr Stef Simmons said she also agreed with Prof Whitelegg, adding Ledbury and Herefordshire are lagging behind the rest of the continent and other towns and cities in the UK where this has been implemented.

She added that questions had repeatedly been asked about why the work to look at area-wide 20mph zones was halted but without satisfactory response.

A Herefordshire Council spokesperson said: “Last year we confirmed we would consider the introduction of 20mph zones in key areas, such as outside schools or other public buildings, where it was identified it would improve safety.

"We are currently developing our plans around this, and there was further discussion at our environment and sustainability scrutiny committee on Monday .”

North Herefordshire MP Ellie Chowns said: "I strongly support 20 mph outside places like schools where pedestrian safety is paramount.

"Obviously, it’s necessary to carefully assess proposals on a case-by-case basis, but I think most people agree this is a good idea in highly built-up areas, especially around key facilities like schools and GP surgeries."