Derbyshire: Blanket 20mph zones plan scrapped across Long Eaton and Buxton

Plans for a blanket 20mph restriction in the towns of Buxton and Long Eaton have been scrapped

Plans for blanket 20mph zones in two Derbyshire towns have been ditched due to lack of public support.

Consultations were held over widespread speed restrictions in both Buxton and Long Eaton.

But following poor feedback from residents, Derbyshire County Council's cabinet rejected the proposals.

Councillor Charlotte Cupit said: "A clear response [shows people] did not want the speed limits to go ahead... so we are not proceeding with that."

Concerns were raised about a possible negative impact on local businesses.

Derbyshire Police and public transport providers were also asked for their views during the six-month process and both raised concerns about the proposals.

People in Buxton responding to a council consultation were split on the proposal

In Buxton a total of 204 responses were received, with 104 in favour and 100 against. High Peak MP, Robert Largan, also carried out his own consultation, with 70 people agreeing and 201 disagreeing.

In Long Eaton a total of 306 responses were received, with 63 in favour and 184 against, 59 blank responses were also received.

Ms Cupit, who is cabinet member for transport at Derbyshire County Council, said: "We very much needed large numbers of people who live and work in either town to be supportive to this idea, and it was clear that this was not the case."

She added any considerations to change speed limits in towns and villages would be "in line with our policies and data".

Erewash MP Maggie Throup, whose constituency includes Long Eaton, said: "It is clear that these proposals were extremely unpopular and would have had a detrimental impact on Long Eaton businesses and residents."