Hersham is a proud community. Let us all take the opportunity to keep it that way, for the benefit of everybody. It needs all of us to be active, vocal and supportive. With this support we will create a better future for everyone in our village.
Proposed 20 mph Zone
Understanding the Proposed 20 mph Zone around the Village
Over the past couple of weeks there has been a lot of discussion online about the proposed 20 mph speed limit around Hersham Village Centre.
We wanted to share a short update to explain:
- What is actually being proposed
- Why local residents raised the issue
- What Surrey County Council has said
- Answers to some common questions and local survey
The intention behind the proposal is straightforward:
To review speeds on roads around the village where people regularly walk, shop and travel to school.
Importantly, this proposal did not originate from national politics or a London style blanket policy.
It came from concerns raised by local residents during the previous consultation, and the current proposal is a revised and improved version that reflects the feedback residents gave at that time.
A Response to Previous Resident Feedback
Some residents may remember that a previous consultation on traffic calming measures took place in this area.
During that consultation, residents raised a number of concerns and suggestions. The current proposal is a more focused and refined version that responds to those comments.
In other words, this proposal is very much a response to feedback from local residents and aims to take a more balanced approach for the village.
Where Would the 20 mph Limit Apply?
One of the biggest misunderstandings in online discussions is that this would introduce a blanket 20 mph limit across Hersham.
This is not the case.
The proposal relates to specific roads around Hersham Village Centre, particularly those with higher pedestrian activity.
These are also key walking routes into the village and towards Burhill Primary School.
Road safety proposals like this should be considered based on local circumstances and safety considerations, rather than becoming part of wider political debate.
Other comments we have received have been around, why make roads like Mills Road 20mph? The main reason being, the roads would have to be signed as reverting back to 30mph, which would be an additional unnecessary expense.
Map of the Proposed Area
The proposal focuses on roads around Hersham Village Centre and nearby residential streets where residents frequently walk into the village.
These routes are commonly used by:
- residents walking to local shops
- families walking to school
- people visiting village services
- residents moving around the village on foot
Importantly, this is not a village-wide speed limit, but a focused proposal around the village centre area.
What Local Residents Said
A recent door to door questionnaire was presented to residents living on the roads most affected by the proposal.
46 residents responded.
The results showed strong support:
• 45 out of 46 residents supported a 20mph limit on Burwood Road
• 43 out of 46 supported the limit on Queens Road
• 43 out of 46 supported the limit on Molesey Road
• 45 out of 46 supported the limit on Faulkners Road
Residents were also asked about safety.
• 100% said a 20mph limit would improve pedestrian safety in Hersham Village Centre
• 100% said it would improve safety for schoolchildren and vulnerable road users
Frequently Asked Questions
Would it make journeys much slower?
Not significantly.
For example:
- Travelling half a mile at 30 mph takes about 60 seconds.
- Travelling half a mile at 20 mph takes about 90 seconds.
That means the difference is around 20-30 seconds.
In reality, the difference is often even smaller due to normal village traffic, parked cars and junctions.
For many residents this feels like a small trade-off if it improves safety in the village centre.
Don’t parked cars already slow traffic down?
Parked cars and junctions do slow traffic at times.
However, the concern residents raised is the speeds vehicles reach when roads are quieter, particularly early mornings, evenings and during school drop-off and pick-up periods.
Do 20 mph limits improve safety?
Evidence from several studies suggests they can.
Transport for London found that 20 mph limits reduced deaths and serious injuries by around 34 percent on borough roads.
Lower speeds also reduce the severity of collisions involving pedestrians.
At 20 mph a pedestrian is significantly more likely to survive a collision than at 30 mph.
Could it reduce traffic through the village?
In some cases it can.
Navigation apps such as Google Maps and Waze route drivers based on travel time.
When residential roads have lower speed limits, through traffic can sometimes be directed onto main roads instead of cutting through village streets.
What about larger vehicles travelling through Hersham?
Residents have also raised concerns about the number of larger vehicles travelling through the village, including logistics vehicles (Amazon, DPD etc..), delivery lorries and construction traffic.
While a speed limit alone does not remove these vehicles, some residents feel slower village speeds may discourage unnecessary through-traffic.
Myths vs Facts
Myth
This is a blanket 20 mph zone across Hersham.
Fact
The proposal focuses only on specific roads around Hersham Village Centre, not the entire village.
Myth
It will massively slow down journeys.
Fact
Over half a mile, travelling at 20 mph instead of 30 mph adds around 30 seconds.
Myth
This is copying policies from London.
Fact
The proposal was raised locally by residents following the previous consultation, and the current version reflects feedback from the Hersham community.
A Positive Community Conversation
Hersham is a fantastic village with a strong community spirit.
Discussions like this can sometimes become heated online, but most people ultimately want the same things:
- safe streets for residents and families
- a thriving village centre
- a community where people feel comfortable walking
It is important that these discussions remain respectful and focused on what is best for the village.
Have Your Say
The proposal is currently part of a public consultation process, meaning residents have the opportunity to share their views.
Whether you support the idea, oppose it, or simply want to suggest improvements, the most important thing is that local residents have their say.
Residents can read the details of the proposal and submit feedback through the official consultation which is open until 3 April 2026.
Consultation link: https://hersham-village-centre.commonplace.is
What Happens Next?
Once the consultation closes, Surrey County Council will review the feedback received from residents.
Any final decision would be based on the consultation responses and safety considerations.
We will continue to share updates as more information becomes available.
Working Together for Hersham
Hersham has always been a village where people care about their community.
Whatever your view on the proposal, the most important thing is that local residents take part in the conversation and help shape the future of the village.
PROTECTING AND ENHANCING OUR VILLAGE
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Hersham is a proud community. Let us all take the opportunity to keep it that way, for the benefit of everybody. It needs all of us to be active, vocal and supportive. With this support we will create a better future for everyone in our village.
Our Newsletter 9 June 2025 made the factual observation that the fabric of The Centre is in visible decline and that 40% of the shop units have become vacant since purchase by the developers.