A 20mph zone is set to be introduced in Willingham, despite some concerns drivers will ignore the lower speed limits.

Cambridgeshire County Council has agreed to introduce the new 20mph speed limits within the village and to implement 40mph buffer zones on approach roads.

The authority recognised concerns had been raised, but said the 20mph zone would encourage drivers to travel at lower speeds and offered a “relatively cost-effective way to improve road safety”.

The new 20mph zone was requested by Willingham Parish Council, after a survey of 211 people in the village found that 62.6 per cent were in support of the lower speed limits being introduced.

A subsequent statutory consultation conducted by the county council received 61 objections and 40 comments of support.

Some concerns were raised that the project would be a “waste of money” if people did not follow the proposed lower speed limits.

One objector said: “Motorists are already disregarding the existing 30mph zones and overtaking law-abiding drivers, a 20mph limit will cause more frustration, aggressive and dangerous driving.”

County council officers said the speed limits were “designed to be relatively self-enforcing” and said “generally” drivers followed the set speed limit.

Officers added that traffic calming measures could be investigated if speeding was found to be an issue.

However, some of the people in support of the 20mph zone actually called for it to be extended further.

One person said: “I fully support this, but please can we ensure the 20mph speed limit goes up to Westfield on Station Road, as a young woman died on the bend and this cannot happen again.”

The county council said it could not extend the current plans for the 20mph zone at this moment in time, but said it could be investigated through a future scheme.

After considering both the objections and comments of support, the authority agreed to implement the new 20mph speed limits and 40mph buffer zones.