Hampshire councillors to review costly 20mph speed limit scheme

Hampshire councillors are considering the establishment of a cross-party task and finish group to review the county’s community-funded 20mph speed limit programme. The review follows concerns that the current application process is too expensive and difficult for local groups to navigate.

Since the policy's introduction in January 2024, only one organisation has successfully completed the process despite approximately 40 expressions of interest. Under existing rules, communities may be responsible for funding traffic surveys, public consultations, legal orders, signage, and maintenance.

In Romsey, a proposed scheme was recently postponed due to rising cost estimates, which reportedly increased from £30,000 to nearly £70,000. The universal services select committee is expected to decide next week whether to proceed with the formal review of the programme.