Fresh plans for Worthing's 20mph speed limit

It will be the second attempt at implementing speed restrictions in parts of Worthing

Sussex drivers could face new speed restrictions in certain parts of a coastal town.

West Sussex County Council (WSCC), the local highways authority, has suggested a trial run in one area of Worthing before plans go to a public consultation, according to WBC.

WBC said it was reviewing which areas were suitable and where the greatest impacts would be felt, before seeking permission from the highways authority to run a trial.

Worthing Borough Council (WBC) first tried introducing a 20mph (32kmh) speed limit areas of the town in 2014, but scrapped the idea after the public voted against it.

“We’d be looking to discuss with the local community such things as the difference that the restrictions have made in their area," said a WBC spokesman.

The council’s only Liberal Democrat councillor, Hazel Thorpe, said she generally supported a 20mph trial but hoped the public would be consulted “before the pilot takes place, not afterwards”.

Cost fears

Green councillor Claire Hunt also welcomed the trial “in an appropriate area of Worthing, where it is needed and with the support of residents”.

In a document on the 2014 trial, WSCC said the consultation would cost £50,000 and implementing the 20mp/h zone a further £350,000, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

A spokesman for WBC said WSCC would pay for the new proposals, but could not confirm how much the scheme would cost "as we don't know how many roads will be covered".

The leader of Worthing Conservative Group, Kevin Jenkins, said the costs must be made clear and would have increased compared to ten years ago.

"It would be wonderful to have an inductive cost so we can manage public expectation,” said Mr Jenkins.

"We are open to any initiative that can be shown to help keep or make our roads safe for all users," he added.