Shirley High Street: Residents react to scrapping of 20mph limit

The city council is consulting on a move to turn sections of Hill Lane, Paynes Road, Romsey Road and the entirety of Shirley Road back to 30mph.

The original decision to move 14 roads to 20mph was controversial and Labour pledged to reverse Hill Lane and Shirley Road in the local election campaign.

Shirley resident Peter Rodaway told the Echo the lower speed limit was never enforced anyway.

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“The whole idea was nonsense, and a waste of time and public money,” Peter said.

“They don't have the resources to enforce traffic or parking regulations, so what was the point?”

Mary Fowler, 76, said many people avoid the high street now due to lower limits bringing more traffic.

“Faster cars might bring people to this high street,” she said.

David Postins believes that while some roads should be 30mph, Shirley High Street does not need that high of a speed. (Image: Newsquest) David Postins told the Echo that the change would not make much difference, because cars would be "lucky to do 20 down the high street" with "how busy it is".

David said: "Usually I prefer 30mph, but on a road like this, I don't suppose 20 is a bad idea."

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Radway Road resident Ian Bartlett believes there is no benefit in reverting Shirley High Street to 30mph.

Radway Road resident Ian Bartlett is a Southampton native. (Image: Supplied) Ian said: “Twenty miles per hour has produced calmer journeys and a safer environment for all road users.

“The issues arise at the junctions. Rushing between them only increases risk and pressure all round.”

A public consultation for the proposed plans is open until January 3, 2025.

Lyn Brayshaw is chair of Southampton Cycling Campaign. (Image: Supplied) Climate activist Lyn Brayshaw is chair of Southampton Cycling Campaign and is in favour of keeping speed limts at 20mph, arguing that cyclists would feel safer if limits were lower.

Lyn said: “The word "accident" is officially being phased out - and so it should be. Any vehicle that injures any person is not an 'accident'. 

“If someone is hit by a car at 30mph they are seven times more likely to die than being hit at 20mph.

“We need to go back to the days of zero collisions and going to 20mph is a step in the right direction.”

Shirley High Street is currently limited to 20mph, but Southampton City Council want to up it to 30mph. (Image: Newsquest)