PROTESTERS calls for a 40mph speed limit along the notorious A1101 were given hope when councillors agreed to carry out a review. But for now the A1101 Accident Black Spot Team will have to make do with a 50mph limit along Sutton Road between Leverington

PROTESTERS' calls for a 40mph speed limit along the notorious A1101 were given hope when councillors agreed to carry out a review.

But for now the A1101 Accident Black Spot Team will have to make do with a 50mph limit along Sutton Road between Leverington and Tydd St Giles.

The change, however, got a mixed response from councillors on the Fenland Traffic Management Area Joint Committee on Friday.

Councillors agreed a review should be carried out along the Gypsy Bends, in support of protesters' calls for a 40mph limit along the short stretch, by a majority vote of five to two.

The stretch has seen 26 injury accidents in three years and a number of people lose their lives.

Councillor Martin Curtis said: "We need something to make that road stand out from the rest of the area.

"Taking the speed limit down that bit further is good. A review will enable us to look at the 40mph idea."

Councillor Ralph Butcher added: "A reduction of speed limit is not enough on its own. It is part of the solution and we need to go further."

However, Councillor Jonathan Farmer said reducing the speed limit "does not address the problem" and called for double-white lines along the middle of the road.

Cllr Farmer said: "This problem is to do with overtaking more than speed. Reducing the speed does not solve the overtaking problem; in fact it is quite possible it could exacerbate it.

"A 40mph speed limit could cause more accidents that we start with."

Amanda Mays, accident investigation and prevention officer, said: "Reducing the speed limit to 40mph could increase the risk of overtaking."

A speed survey carried out along the A1101 also saw average speeds of between 49.5mph and 53.7mph.

Traffic engineer Peter Vale's report said that "with average speeds less than 54mph it is felt appropriate to have a consistent limit along the route".

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