A 20mph zone has been introduced in Melbourn as part of a Cambridgeshire-wide scheme to improve road safety and reduce pollution.

The Melbourn zone is now complete following work to install signs, lines and markings.

Cllr Alex Beckett, chair of Cambridgeshire County Council's highways and transport committee, was joined by local councillors and Melbourn Parish Council last week to see the zone completed and in action.

He said: "Speed kills. Studies have shown even a 1mph drop in speed reduces collisions by six per cent. 

"Reducing speed limits from 30mph to 20mph can cut pollution by 30 per cent and reduce the chance of a severe or fatal injury in the event of a collision by a staggering 60 per cent.

"This is why it’s important we continue to create more 20mph areas.

"I was pleased to see one of last year’s applications in place in Melbourn and see the residents benefitting from cleaner air and safer travel, both of which are a priority for the joint administration."

The county council recently put in place a new process for communities to access additional funding to install more 20mph zones or limits. This year's schemes will be going to committee later in the autumn.

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Overall, 13 areas have seen 20mph zones created and installed more quickly this year, after the highways and transport committee agreed to speed up the process and secured funding.

In addition to the £400,000 set aside for this process until 2025, a further £800,000 has been secured in partnership with the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority for area-based schemes across the county.

A 20mph limit is prioritised against evidence of traffic incidents or potential dangers within an existing 30/40mph zone, vulnerable road users, visible homes, shops and businesses, a school or school route, a cycling route, and areas that would benefit from more active travel such as cycling or walking.

The 20mph limits typically cover a small number of streets and requires signs only, whereas 20mph zones typically cover larger areas and require both signs and markings.

To find out more and submit an application go to https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/20mph-funding.