Worthing votes ‘no’ to 20mph limits

More than two thirds voted against the proposals in a three month-long consultation by West Sussex County Council, which ended in July.

County councillors will decide whether or not to proceed with the plans at a meeting of Worthing County Local Committee on Wednesday.

Elise Mason, of anti-group 20’s Pointless, said: “20’s Pointless is very pleased with the result but unsurprised, given the level of support that was coming to us throughout the campaign.

“It shows how people will vote in their thousands if they think that their view will make a difference and the decision hasn’t been made behind closed doors.”

A total of 69.4 per cent – 13,115 residents – voted no, compared with 5,796 yes votes.

The voting was also extended to under-18s, in which a positive outcome was reached in four wards but overall, 53.8 per cent voted no.

A report in the CLC agenda details various reasons residents gave for voting yes or no.

Some suggested it would have a positive impact, improving safety for vulnerable road-users.

Others cited the cost, a belief the scheme would have a limited effect, congestion concerns and the visual impact of signage.

The proposals, which included introducing 20mph limits across most of Worthing’s residential roads, were least popular in Northbrook division, where 84.2 per cent voted no.

Northbrook county councillor Robin Rogers said: “Eighty-four per cent of residents voted against it in my ward. For me, that is a massive mandate that I must take note of.

“Unless something happens on the day to change my mind, I will be voting against it.”