A High Wycombe councillor has called for new 20 mile per hour limits on several streets to reduce injuries.

Julia Wassell of Wycombe Independents told the BBC Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that several streets in her Totteridge and Bowerdean ward should be limited to 20mph.

She said: “Hatters Lane is 20mph for the Highcrest Academy but nearby Hillary Road and Everest Road would benefit from the whole residential area being 20mph.

“20mph in residential areas can significantly reduce accident damage and injuries to pedestrians. Due to our severe car parking shortage in residential streets pedestrians have to cross between parked cars.

“One example of this is a public footpath much used by Highcrest children in crossing St Hugh’s Avenue. It is quite a significant short cut.”

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The councillor of 26 years claimed that 20mph zones may be a cheaper alternative to speed cushions, which are typically installed in accident black spots.

She said: “I have only managed to get 20mph outside schools so far. Residents ask for speed cushions but around smaller residential roads 20mph could be another option with Council budgets tight.”

However, other Buckinghamshire residents told the LDRS that they are opposed to new 20mph limits being imposed on the county’s roads.

Ed Silvester in High Wycombe said: “I have never heard it as a cure for speeding – if anything, if you lower the speed limit you will technically increase the amount of speeding.”

Caroline Watson described 20mph limits as a “waste of huge amounts of time and money” and said that as a Welsh holiday let owner, she disagreed with the Welsh Government’s recent decision to impose them in built-up areas.

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She said: “Buses cannot go up steep hills sticking to 20! And if you do the air pollution is ridiculous from revving engines.

“Can you imagine Marlow Hill and Amersham Hill? Carnage, 25 is a little easier.”

Luke Orion, who lives in Marlow and works in High Wycombe said: “I drive in London a lot in my job and nearly all roads are 20mph. Even really wide roads. It’s ridiculous.

“I can see a reason for it outside of schools etc. Apart from that it is just a revenue raising scam.”

The motorist claimed that 30mph limits were appropriate for built-up areas as drivers “barely do 30 anyway” due to roads being busy.

He added: “Most people are sick of the perpetual war on motorists.”

Another High Wycombe resident, who did not want to be named, claimed that 20mph signs alone would not deter young people from speeding.

He said: “Traffic calming, raised sections and speed bumps is the only physical way to stop it.

“Take a look at Hithercroft Road, double parking and blind side roads do not stop the mindless speed merchants from racing round our streets.”

Following the Welsh Government’s introduction of new 20mph limits, the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak vowed to a crack down on local councils’ use of the schemes, as well as other road safety measures.

Steven Broadbent, Cabinet Member for Transport said that Buckinghamshire Council’s policy on 20mph limits follows existing Department for Transport (DfT) guidance, which is backed up by “solid research”.

He explained that the introduction of new 20mph limits requires “appropriate funding and the support of locally elected members”.