RESIDENTS are being asked their thoughts about the potential rollout of 20mph zones across Bude.

Locals are being given the opportunity to voice their thoughts after Cornwall Council has proposed the introduction of 20mph speed limits on most residential streets across the Bude Community Network Area.

It comes after the scheme was launched in 2024, which should it go ahead, would see a number of areas across the county have the speed limit of their roads reduced to the lower limit.

Now, with several other catchments in the county, including the Cornwall Gateway Community Network Area (Saltash), having already seen speeds lowered, Bude is set to be the next region facing 20mph limits.

A spokesperson for Cornwall Council said: “Cornwall Council intends to implement a 20mph speed limit on most residential streets in the settlements within the Bude Community Network Area which currently have a 30mph speed limit. These settlements have previously expressed strong local support for this. Buffer zones will also be implemented leading up to these, where deemed necessary. Please see additional documentation for further details of proposed extents.”

With many having already expressed their concern at the proposal, the council maintains that these new limits make a ‘major contribution towards improving road safety’.

A spokesperson continued: “It is considered that implementing a reduced speed limit (20mph) on roads within these areas will make a major contribution towards improving road safety, especially for vulnerable road users, and traffic using these roads. This, in turn, will aid in the achievement of the Council’s ‘Vision Zero’ goal – working towards the prevention of all fatal and serious injuries on the county road network.

“The imposition of 20mph speed limits in these locations, should also improve the amenity of these areas and assist in encouraging a transition towards individuals using active travel, particularly for local journeys, resulting in increased journey time reliability and healthier communities. Severance by traffic will also be reduced, facilitating a greater use of local community facilities and enabling more liveable streets. As well as encouraging more social interaction, this may also be beneficial to the local economy.”

However, ahead of the scheme’s launch locally, the council has launched a consultation to hear from residents.

From July 23 until August 20, locals can give feedback on the plans.

Bude-Stratton Town Council has urged locals to go through official channels to make their thoughts known.

A spokesperson for Bude- Stratton Town Council said: “We know people have strong views, but a Facebook comment isn’t a formal response. If you want your opinion to be heard, you need to respond directly to the consultation.”

Once the Consultation finishes on the August 20, Cornwall Council plans to collate the feedback and traffic data to decide what to do next.

Residents can have their say via: letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk/bude-community-network-area-20mph-speed-limits

Responses can also be emailed to [email protected] quoting scheme reference: Infra24-272 BUDE.

• What do you think about plans for the reduced limit? Let us know via [email protected]