A COUNCILLOR who has been campaigning for safer roads is pleased 20mph speed zones could be introduced in Hampshire as a new review into the county’s roads begins.

Hampshire County Council has formed a task force to look at 20mph zones across the county.

The group, made up of eight councillors, will examine whether existing zones should remain, and which areas need the reduced speed limits.

Cllr Sean Dillow launched a campaign to appeal for the speed limits on roads in Basingstoke to be reviewed.

SEE MORE: More 20mph speed zones could be introduced across Hampshire as review begins

The campaign called for the council to introduce long-term speed limits outside schools and he applied through Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to put up temporary speed awareness signs along Winklebury Way over the past few months, in a desperate attempt to persuade drivers to slow down.

He said: "I was very pleased to learn that Hampshire County Council will be reviewing speed limits across the county. This review will be a positive opportunity to make our roads safer, by reducing speed and also reducing dangerous emissions. I have been campaigning for safer speed limits since becoming a councillor last year, with a particular focus on lowering speed limits to 20mph by our schools, both in urban and rural areas of the borough.

"The detrimental impact on people's lives caused by traffic noise, pollution and speed on both urban and rural roads is on the increase. In my ward, Winklebury & Manydown, there have been some shocking accidents, including, sadly, fatalities. I requested temporary Speed Awareness signs by the schools along Winklebury Way last year to persuade drivers to slow down, as well as also launching a Safer Roads In Winklebury Campaign calling on HCC to review the borough's roads' speed limits.”

A spokesperson from the council, added: “Councillor Rob Humby, the Deputy Leader and Executive Lead Member for Economy, Transport and Environment at the County Council has recently commissioned a review into the current policy for 20mph speed restrictions in Hampshire. New 20 mph zones and limits are currently restricted to address casualty reduction. The review has been commissioned to determine whether there is merit in extending the scope for these measures, particularly to support changing travel patterns and improvements to air quality.

“The review will focus on the evidence about whether such measures are effective and positively contribute to improving air quality and encouraging greater levels of walking and cycling.”

READ MORE: 20 is plenty:  Calls for permanent 20mph speed limit outside schools in Basingstoke

Following the news Cllr Dillow has since started a petition to make Basingstoke a “top priority” as the review process begins.

To sign the petition, visit: www.change.org/p/reduce-speed-limits-in-our-borough-now-make-basingstoke-roads-safer-reduce-emissions.

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