The deadline for signing a petition to introduce 20mph speed limit in Long Ditton is looming.

You have until Monday (15^th) to petition Surrey County Council about introducing 20mph max outside Long Ditton primary and junior schools and by Long Ditton Rec.

Parents are particularly concerned about the speed of traffic in Ditton Hill Road, Ewell Road and Sugden Road where the school entrances are located.

“There have been a number of ‘near miss’ incidents outside the junior school since the return to school in September and we would like to see a reduced speed zone implemented before a serious accident happens,” said petitioner Emma Sims.

“Now that both schools no longer have lollipop people assistance and we are relying on motorists’ skills for the pedestrian crossings, a slower speed zone would greatly impact the safety of our residents, especially considering the pedestrian crossing on Ditton Hill Road is after a bend – again with no warning of it being a school zone.”

Residents had also voiced concerns about the speed of cars in Ewell Road by Long Ditton Rec, particularly on the bend opposite Effingham Road, and the Ditton Hill Road/St Mary’s Road crossroads where there have been a number of coming togethers although fortunately, so far, without serious injury.

“We ask that the safety of our children and all local residents is prioritised and a 20mph speed limit is implemented,” she added.

The Dittons councillor Nick Darby, who has been in discussion with residents, council officers and the police about speeding vehicles in the area, said: “The principle of doing this has my complete support. It seems to me to be the right thing to do. There are other things that can be done to accompany it such as getting the police down occasionally with a handheld speed gun in that local area and I would be fairly sure that if that happens a few times, word will be out on the Long Ditton streets and things may well improve anyway.”

The petition will be discussed at the Elmbridge Local Committee meeting on Monday, November 29 at Esher Civic Centre at 4pm.

You can read the full petition – and sign it – at www.tinyurl.com/20mphlimitpetition