A GROUP of Alton residents have expressed “extreme disappointment” over Hampshire County Council’s (HCC) refusal to consider a request to extend the existing town centre 20mph zone.

The decision, detailed in a letter by Rob Humby, HCC executive member for environment and transport, followed the handing over of a petition by Ackender Road Residents’ Association (ARRA) signed by more than 600 residents, asking that the existing 20mph scheme be extended into parts of Westbrooke and Whitedown wards.

In five of the roads: Ackender, High Ridge, Kings, Queens, Rack Close, and Westbrooke, “serious and serial rat-running” was cited by many residents as a major concern.

Less than a month after receiving the petition, Councillor Humby has written back to ARRA, explaining that cuts in funding from central government make it impossible to introduce any further 20mph zones unless there is clear evidence of speeding leading to road accidents and injuries.

According to ARRA chairman, Michael Gray, Mr Humby argues that there have been no “injury collisions” relating to speed, in the last five years, in the roads surrounding Ackender Road.

Mr Humby refers also to “the unfunded pressure in social care arising as a consequence of increasing demand on those services” as an additional reason why the council cannot broaden its priorities.

Mr Gray said: “This is more than deeply disappointing. We had asked the county council to undertake a further review of their policy on 20mph, as they are required to do by the Department for Transport on a regular basis, to take account of a range of other factors that affect people’s health and well-being.”

ARRA secretary, Rosie Hayward, emphasised the widespread support there had been for the petition: “It is quite clear that there is an enormous interest in getting 20mph limits in residential roads. HCC has declared a climate emergency and it now needs to back it up with action. It is important that it reviews its policy on 20mph in the light of this.”

Neighbouring Queens Road resident, Nancy Clarke, said she wanted future manifestos to include firm pledges to bring Hampshire into line with other local authorities that had embarked on schemes to make the limit 20mph in all residential roads.

She said: “Large numbers of families live in these roads, many of which are used selfishly by rat-runners.

“We deserve protection from this and from the noise and pollution that is created by the speedsters.”