A PETITION for a 20mph speed limit to be implemented on two Hampshire roads in Rowledge was handed over to officials at Hampshire County Council (HCC) on August 17, by lead petitioner Jeff Ward and chairman of Rowledge Residents’ Association, Graham Precious.

Parents of children at Rowledge C of E Primary School and residents of the Hampshire part of the village signed the petition for School Road and parts of Boundary Road to be included in the 20mph scheme being implemented by Surrey County Council (SCC).

Jeff said: “Rowledge is a bit of a problem because of a number of schools around it and a road runs through the middle of the village. It’s a bit of a rat run. It has perennially caused problems, which led to the desire for a 20mph limit.”

The scheme aims to reduce speeds through the village, as well as improve safety for parents and children walking to the Hampshire school and for other pedestrians.

It will involve new signage and road markings, including a vehicle activated sign in Fullers Road flashing 30mph when the speed limit is exceeded (just before the new 20mph road markings) and a “build-out” in The Long Road. Works are expected to begin in “September/October”.

It was hoped that School Road and Boundary Road, located in Hampshire, could be included in the scheme, but HCC have reportedly declined to participate, despite planning, design and funding being provided by SCC. Jeff told the Herald these roads could be incorporated “for no additional money”.

He continued: “All Hampshire has to do is say yes to Surrey, it’s a never to be repeated generosity.

“If it was down to money it would be a no-brainer argument, but there’s a philosophy in there now.”

Hampshire residents and parents of children at the school hope the petition, which was started in July and carries 158 signatures, will encourage HCC to reconsider their opposition to the scheme.

Mr Ward added: “I think it’s a great shame given the fact it’s a no cost option.

“It would be a shame to have half a village covered by one scheme from one county and another half deliberately not covered by another county. If we were talking about a £20,000 budget this would be a different discussion. But this isn’t like that, this is free.”

Mark Kemp-Gee, Hampshire County Councillor for the Alton rural division, said: “Hampshire policy, following on from a review of our existing 20 limits, is not to pay for any more 20s unless there is an overwhelming need for them on provable accident prevention grounds. I have accepted the policy even if I don’t like it.

“I can’t respond specifically to Hampshire reaction to Surrey agreeing to design and engineer it on Hampshire roads, I remain unconvinced whether it is statutorily possible for one LHA [local highway authority] to pay for a 20 limit on another LHA’s roads but I am willing to have this point examined should the petitioners wish me to do so.”