Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet is set to reject the proposed blanket 20mph speed limit in Buxton at a meeting of the council’s Cabinet on December 7th.

This decision comes in the wake of an influential residents’ survey conducted by Robert Largan, MP for High Peak, who actively engaged with the community to gather and amplify their views on the matter.

Robert Largan MP conducted an independent survey, revealing widespread opposition to the proposals. Just 17% of respondents supporting the Council’s proposals in full, and a substantial 49% expressing disagreement. Notably, 34% of residents endorsed the concept of 20mph zones around schools and suitable residential areas, excluding main roads.

Part of Robert Largan’s survey also asked residents what they would prioritise instead.

59% of respondents chose to prioritise improving bus services to reduce the number of cars on the road. Derbyshire County Council has recently been awarded £47 million in Government funding for a Bus Improvement Plan. As part of this, the 185 bus has been restored to Harpur Hill and Buxton Hospital.

63% of residents supported prioritisation of investment into railway infrastructure to help reduce the number of HGVs. The Government approved a £145 million capacity-based upgrade to the Hope Valley Line, which runs between Manchester and Sheffield and serves New Mills Central, Chinley, Edale, Hop and Bamford.

42% of those who responded wanted to prioritise making walking and cycling easier by adopting Buxton’s sustainable travel plan, and a further 40% supported the idea of more police to help with enforcement.

The collaborative efforts of Robert Largan MP and the local community, backed by these insightful statistics, have played a pivotal role in shaping the council’s decision. Robert Largan’s commitment to community engagement and his dedication to amplifying the voices of residents throughout the process significantly influenced the final outcome.

Commenting, Robert Largan MP said:

I carried out an extensive residents’ survey, to ask for views on the proposed plans. I am grateful to the hundreds of local people who took the time to share their views.

Just 17% of local people supported the proposal for a blanket 20mph speed limit for Buxton.

I presented the results of my survey to Derbyshire County Council and I am very glad that the Council have listened to the views of local people.