Bid to lower speed limits sees one warning notice placed behind shrubbery

ONE new 20mph road sign in Thelwall certainly does not beat around the bush.

The initiative to impose lower speed limits on residential roads in the town has reached Thelwall in recent weeks.

However, those on Pelham Road may be forgiven for being none the wiser after this sign was placed directly behind a large bush.

Mark Roberts, who lives on Pelham Road, said: “It’s a daft place to put a sign but there are that many of them, I don’t think you could miss the message.

“I think it’s a good idea as there are plenty of children who play outside their houses around here.

“I’m not sure how much of a difference it will make, though – it would be difficult to exceed 20mph anyway with all the parked cars around.”

That sentiment has been echoed by others, who have questioned the council’s decision to spend in the region of £740,000 on the scheme, rather than addressing other issues.

John Roberts, from Grappenhall, said: “I seriously question the value of the new 20mph speed signs on side roads and suggest the money would have been better spent improving the roads themselves and the appalling pavements.”

However, the initiative received universal praise from council members as no objections were recorded in any of the past three phases of development.

Rod King, from Lymm, founded the ‘20splenty’ in 2007 and is delighted plans are now being put into action.

He said: “It makes sense and it makes all residential areas better places to be.

“The pilot showed this is extremely good value for money and it provides so many benefits for so many people such as the young and the elderly.”