A 20mph speed limit zone will be introduced within Fulwood after councillors unanimously supported the scheme at the city’s council meeting last Wednesday.
Sheffield City Council voted to implement the new speed limit throughout all residential areas in Fulwood, covering areas surrounding Nether Green Infant School and Junior School, as well as Hallam Primary School.
Lisa Blakemore, the scheme’s senior transport planner, said the zone will create a “feeling of safety”.
The new limit aims to follow the success of other 20mph zones, which have been rolled out within the city over the last decade.
Reflecting on the success of previous schemes, Councillor Ben Miskell said: “We know that they are much better and safer, particularly for young people, and they are also good for the environment.
“There will always be some objections to these schemes but I think they’re the right thing to do for the future of our city and also the safety of young people who live in these areas.”
However, the limits will not be policed by speed cameras, as councillors agreed to a sign-only approach.
Councillor Denise Fox said that while speed cameras will not be imposed, the scheme should “change people’s mindsets”.
Coun Fox said: “If more people start travelling at 20mph then the ones that want to travel at 30mph will start travelling at 20mph.”
This decision also comes after a petition was set up by Lyndsey McLellan, supporting proposed speed limit changes in Fulwood, particularly within areas surrounding schools.
Commenting on the petition, Steph Roberts said: “I am a local resident who walks to Nether Green Infant School every school day and feel the speed limit on Fulwood Road is too high. A 20mph limit on Fulwood Road would be much safer.
“My eldest will soon move to the Junior School and it terrifies me thinking of walking between the schools along Fulwood Road with small children. It’s just too fast.”
Support for the scheme was also majorly shown through letters of support from residents, with proposals receiving 252 letters of support in comparison to 157 objections.
Yet, the scheme has received particular opposition to the blanket approach which covers all residential areas within the set out boundaries.
Rachel Barker said: “Everyone wants a 20mph speed limit on their road, but moans about having to drive at 20mph along everybody else’s road.”
