Slower speed limit agreed for Slindon

The 20mph restriction will be enforced on all the roads within the village after it was unanimously agreed by members of West Sussex County Council.

West Sussex county councillor Derek Whittington said: “This new 20mph speed limit has been a long time in the making for Slindon. It has been an ongoing project for Slindon Parish Council, Arun District Council and the county council.

“I know it is only county councillors who can vote but I would urge everyone at the table to show their support for this. It is something which I feel will be of great benefit.”

Cllr Whittington said he was aware objections had been raised but said he felt the need for the new limit outweighed them.

“The success of the new forge means cars cannot really go any faster up Reynolds Lane and there is the local primary school on the same road,” said Cllr Whittington.

The decision was made at a meeting of the joint downland area committee. Although the committee also includes parish, town, district councillors, it was only county members who were allowed to vote.

Arun councillor Norman Dingemans said: “This is something I personally support and I would urge the county council members to do the same.

“It is a brilliant way forward for the village and it will improve safety.

“I also agree that the 20mph limit should apply to Reynolds Lane.”

Slindon Parish Council, supported by the National Trust and The South Downs National Park, commissioned consultants to design a scheme of road improvements to make routes through the village feel safer and more accessible for pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians.

Chairman of Slindon Parish Council John Brown also spoke in favour of the change. He said: “The lowering of the speed limit is well supported within the village community. On many of the village’s roads, it is not possible to go above 20mph so the lowering of the limit would just reinforce what is already happening.”

“I know there are those people who will not obey it in Reynolds Lane, but if other motorists do they will be forced to slow down.”

Objections were received from Sussex Police, who raised concerns about applying the lower speed limit to all of Reynolds Lane, and a resident in the village.