Cambridgeshire County Council has been accused of refusing to reconsider Ely's 20mph zone despite growing opposition. 

At a full council meeting on Tuesday May 21, chairman of the highways committee, Cllr Alex Beckett, seemingly ruled out a review of the blanket speed restriction. 

Responding to a question from a member of the public on Ely's 20mph zone, he said: "The county council is satisfied that it has followed all the correct procedures at the time. 

"We have also reviewed all of our procedures in light of the latest guidance and we are confident that we have done everything that was required and that the Order is valid." 

Beckett's comments come less than a month after the launch of a petition calling on the county council to "reconsider" the measure. 

Created by East Cambridgeshire District Council leader Anna Bailey, the petition, which is not set to close until September 6, has gained more than 2,200 signatures. 

If a petition contains 3,000 or more signatures the petition organiser can ask for it to be debated at a full council meeting, which all councillors can attend.

The city-wide scheme was approved at the end of last year following a consultation and a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) process. 

It was given the go ahead after a meeting with local councillors to review the results of the consultation.

In total, 122 people supported of the proposals, 65 objected and eight remained neutral.

Ely Standard: East Cambridgeshire District Council leader Anna Bailey created the petition in April. East Cambridgeshire District Council leader Anna Bailey created the petition in April. (Image: ECDC)

Responding to Beckett's statement, Cllr Bailey said the county council "refuses" to reconsider the Ely 20mph zone.

She added: "The Ely petition has only been promoted for two weeks and has not yet been handed into the county council. 

"Despite this, the Lib Dem chairman of the council's Highways Committee, Cllr Alex Beckett, stated he was 'confident that we have done everything that was required and that the Order is valid.'

"This is insulting to the people of Ely and East Cambridgeshire who clearly feel otherwise; the county council is deaf to the cries of the people."

The petition said that many people were unaware of the proposal and also called on the council to reconsider its locations for the speed limit. 

Speaking last year, Beckett said: “Speed kills. Studies have shown even a 1mph drop in speed reduces collisions by six per cent.

"Reducing speed limits from 30mph to 20mph can cut pollution by 30 per cent and reduce the chance of a severe or fatal injury in the event of a collision by a staggering 60 per cent.

"This is why it’s important we continue to create more 20mph areas. 

“I’m pleased to hear 20mph will soon be rolled out in Ely and see the residents benefitting from cleaner air and safer travel, both of which are a priority for the council.” 

Cambridgeshire County Council has been approached for comment.