Letters: 20 is plenty for Selborne (but what about congestion?)

9.25.00pm GMT Wed 9th Dec 2009

Dear Sir, Jacky Powers and I were very pleased to attend the public consultation in Selborne and talk to villagers about the proposed 20 mph and traffic calming proposals.

Selborne residents have been campaigning for 20 mph for ages so we are delighted to see the speed limit will finally be reduced and, if it can be done without too much urbanising sign clutter, all the better. Speed is certainly the key issue but congestion also needs to be looked at.

Having worked in Selborne and lived in surrounding area all my life it is clear that the volume of traffic travelling through Selborne and using the network of adjoining sunken lanes has increased significantly. The advent of the National Park and Ecotown at Whitehill will only further increase the volume of traffic. Selborne, is already something of a honey pot for visitors and judging by the traffic jam through the village last Sunday, this also needs resolving.

What concerned us most was why the speed limit had not been extended south past the residential area of Ketcher's Field and why the speed limit on Galley Hill (with its bends and regular road debris) had not be brought down to a more sensible limit.

Hopefully these issues can be addressed before the scheme is finally signed off.

We await the consultation results with interest.

Yours faithfully

Adam Carew - Prospective MP East Hants (Liberal Democrat)

Shadow Portfolio Holder for Environment - Hampshire County Council

and

Mrs Jacky Powers - County Council Candidate - Alton Rural (inc Selborne)