THE introduction of reduced speed limits in Wilmslow has been met with skepticism by one councillor.

In all, 15 stretches of the town’s roads are now subject to a temporary 20mph limit.

The new motoring restrictions form part of Cheshire East Council’s £155,000 active travel scheme, which aims to encourage residents to make more journeys on foot or by bike.

Cllr Mark Goldsmith said: “The 20mph zone for the [Pownall Park] area was something everybody has approved, even if they complained about the closure of Broadwalk.

“I welcome the fact that we are experimenting, but I will be interested to see if it has any effect on driving behaviour.”

The independent representative for Wilmslow West and Chorley said he has his doubts over how effective the scheme will be in terms of safety.

He added: “A government study found out that 20mph zones don’t make much difference — pedestrians thought it was safer, but it found that drivers travelled at roughly the same speeds, so the number of accidents was almost the same.

“It could be a waste of money, although they are popular.”

118 new speed limits have been introduced across the borough by CEC — including 58 in Sandbach alone — which the LDRS understands will be reviewed after three months of use.

Other proposals in Wilmslow included traffic calming measures on Hawthorn Lane, while neighbouring Knutsford was set to see Ladies Mile closed off — before CEC officials decided to drop the plans before they became operational earlier this month.

Cllr Laura Crane, CEC cabinet member for highways and waste, said: “These initial projects are experimental and will be subject to ongoing feedback and discussions with our communities and stakeholders. That is why we sought the views of local residents and councillors and have responded to what they said.

“This engagement will enable us to monitor and refine these measures before anything is considered to be made permanent – so we get schemes that are right for each community.

“These are exciting projects and part of steps taken by this council to encourage more people to get active and cycle and walk more. But they have to be right for each specific location.

“We will continue to work with town and parish councils to develop additional schemes. Our aim is to deliver active travel projects that are right for each town and developed in partnership with each local area and local members.”