Thetford to bring in blanket 30mph speed limit following man's death
A 30mph speed limit will soon be in place across Thetford, after a successful campaign following the death of a well-known man. - Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
A 30mph speed limit will soon be introduced across a town after a successful campaign following the death of a well-known man.
The 30 For Thetford campaign was launched back in August 2019 following the death of 72-year old Clifford ‘Cliffy’ James, after he was hit by a VW camper van crossing the A1066, Mundford Road.
The junction of Mundford Road and Croxton Road, in Thetford, where then 72-year-old Clifford James was killed back in August 2019. - Credit: Emily Thomson
The road, which is notorious for speeding, is one of many problem areas which currently have a 40mph limit.
But now, more than a year since Clifford’s death and with the help of Norfolk County Councillors Roy Brame and Terry Jermy, Thetford is set to become a 30mph town.
Norfolk County Councillor for Thetford West, Roy Brame. - Credit: Archant
Mr Brame said: “I had known Cliffy all of my life. He came into my shop at least twice a week and he would say, ‘Roy, what can we do? We have to stop these cars from going so fast, it’s dangerous’.
“There wasn’t a week that went by he wouldn't come in and the next thing I know I was going to his funeral because of a speed related accident.
“There was no dangerous driving and the driver who hit him wasn’t breaking any laws.
"But I'm quite sure had 30 for Thetford been in place that would have given the driver 20 yards, which would have enabled them to stop.
“Between 30 and 40mph the difference in reaction time and stopping distance is incredible.”
The junction of Mundford Road and Croxton Road, in Thetford, where then 72-year-old Clifford James was killed back in August 2019. - Credit: Emily Thomson
Most Read
- 1 Norfolk deli owner suffers severe spinal injuries in Ibiza diving accident
- 2 Revealed: Where dangerous parasite has been reported in Norfolk
- 3 Possible foot and mouth disease case investigated at pig farm
- 4 Care home which has sat empty for four years to be revived by new owners
- 5 Driver died in crash with tractor after misjudging corner on rural road
- 6 7 dogs looking for new homes in Norfolk
- 7 Family sue Wetherspoon after man falls to death in city pub
- 8 A47 closed in both directions after serious crash
- 9 Train evacuated after hitting horse on Norwich to Diss line
- 10 Traffic delays after car plunges into underpass in Yarmouth
The change has been made after Mr Brame and Mr Jermy put together their highways budgets from Norfolk County Council.
Now the A1066 Mundford Road, C148 Kilverstone Road, A1066 Hurth Way and part of the A1075 Norwich Road and C587 London Road will change to a 30mph speed limit.
Mr Brame added: “It’s really going to make a great deal of difference. I am ever so pleased. I didn’t think it would ever happen."
Norfolk County Councillor for Thetford West, Terry Jermy. - Credit: Archant
Mr Jermy added: “The simplicity of the '30 for Thetford' message will hopefully make it clear that the maximum possible speed within Thetford is 30mph, aside from those residential areas already designated as 20mph.
“We know that speed significantly increases the chance of being injured in a collision.
“We want to make Thetford's roads as safe as possible for all, not just cycling and pedestrians, but for other drivers as well."
The changes will be implemented at some point this year.
