Proposed 20mph speed limit in Northumberland coastal village ruled out by councillors

Beadnell Parish Council instead wants to focus its efforts on reducing the speed of traffic in problem areas such as Meadow Lane and Harbour Road.

They had previously expressed interest in a feasibility study into a 20mph speed limit across the whole village.

Cllr Alison Nation, parish council chair, said: “The general consensus is that we don’t want a blanket 20mph speed limit and will instead look at specific areas.

"There is a problem on Meadow Lane because there is no footpath so we could ask Northumberland County Council about getting some appropriate signage.”

Cllr Adrian Baker said a 20mph speed limit would also be difficult to enforce.

"I don’t think changing the speed limit would make any difference,” he said. “If someone is not prepared to obey a 30mph speed limit, why are they going to obey a 20mph limit?”

However, Cllr John Rhind warned: “I think we’re being a bit complacent. I’ve seen kids coming straight out of the playground and on to Meadow Lane without looking.”

He also raised concerns about traffic speeds on Longstone Crescent and the 40mph section of the B1340.

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Cllr Guy Renner-Thompson, local county councillor, had questioned whether a 20mph speed limit was necessary or wanted in the historic core of the village.

“I’m not a fan of them in general because I’m not sure how enforceable they are but it’s the impact it would have on the new conservation area that more of an issue,” he said.

"In the historic centre of the village the roads are tight and you can’t go much quicker than 10-15mph.

"If you’re going to spend £2,000 on speeding (the cost of a feasibility study), I would prefer some sort of physical measure along Harbour Road rather than a survey to talk about speeding.”

He said funding could instead be spent on speed surveys, although he noted: “There is often a difference between perceived speeding and actual speeding.”

It was agreed to investigate signage options on Meadow Lane in the first instance and revisit the issue next year if it is still considered a problem.

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