Reducing speed limits in Ashfield to help improve social distancing slammed as "crazy"

Councillor Jason Zadrozny, who is a Nottinghamshire County Councillor and also leader of Ashfield District Council has accused the county council of “failing to consult” the changes with local councillors and the wider community.

Councillor Zadrozny hit out at the county council plans which aim to reduce the speed limit from 30mph to 20mph on 12 urban roads in the Ashfield district.

He described as “baffling” that the council had claimed that ‘advisory’ speed reductions would “help, mitigate and improve social distance” and says he has also questioned the term ‘advisory’.

Cllr Zadrozny, said that the Ashfield Independents had had “a strong track record” campaigning for road safety, including fighting to reduce speed limits across the district.

“Putting to one side the fact that a not a single county councillor or business or resident was consulted - these measures are baffling,” he said.

“How the council can think that reducing speed limits for cars will help or improve social distancing is crazy. I’ve looked at the 12 schemes in the Ashfield District – on most of the roads you would be lucky to get past 10mph such is the congestion. This is another example of fiddling whilst Rome burns – it is a waste of time.

“It’s just another example of a remote county council making decisions that affect our area from miles away in West Bridgford.

“It smacks of ignorance and will not help one retailer. Anybody who knows our district will tell you how ridiculous this decision is. In contrast, Ashfield District Council consulted retailers and that’s why free parking on all council-owned car parks has been extended until August.

Councillor Samantha Deakin said: “The council said the changes to speed restrictions would help with social distancing, how can people driving around in cars help with social distancing? It makes absolutely no sense at all, I really think the council have not thought this through.”

Nottinghamshire County Council was approached for a comment.