The South of the Borough Neighbourhood Committee at the Royal Borough of Kingston has approved the installation of Speed Indicator Devices (SIDs), speed cushions, and speed tables in various locations subject to local engagement.
During discussions on the council's 20mph speed limit programme, one resident questioned the accuracy of speed data collected on Mount Road. Speed data indicated an average speed of 22.4mph northbound and 22.3mph southbound, with 85th percentile speeds of 27.7mph and 27mph respectively. This data was collected in July 2026 during school term time using automatic traffic counters.
Alternative traffic calming measures were also suggested. A resident proposed installing devices between the zebra crossing and Chantry Road, and again between Chantry Road and the roundabout. They noted that removed bollards, which previously protected the pavement, had led to cars using it as a road. Concerns were raised about the effectiveness of speed cushions with electric cars due to their weight, and the potential for them to damage car suspensions. As a more modern alternative, the resident suggested using ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras for average speed enforcement, which would help reduce speeds and catch offenders.
Councillors acknowledged the challenges in implementing traffic calming, particularly when residents may not favour measures directly outside their homes, and stressed the importance of local consultation. The effectiveness of using average speed data versus individual high-speed incidents was also debated.
The committee approved the installation of Speed Indicator Devices (SIDs), speed cushions, and speed tables in various locations, including Mount Road, subject to local engagement. The process for this engagement involves local consultation, for example via a survey, for residents to provide feedback on issues and potential solutions. The committee resolved that any physical measures would be subject to local consultation and discussion with the chair, vice-chair and ward members before deciding on the way forward. The installation timeline is subject to this consultation, with the aim of finalising designs before implementation. However, SIDs, banners, and road markings do not require resident consultation.
Authority was delegated to the Director of Highways, Transport and Regulatory Services, in consultation with the Committee Chair, Vice-Chair, and relevant Ward Members, to determine and address any objections arising from local engagement. A potential objection is that residents may support speed reduction but not want measures installed directly outside their homes. Authority was delegated to the Director of Highways, Transport and Regulatory Services, in consultation with committee members, to address objections arising from local engagement. The consultation could also be widened to gather more information.
The full details of the meeting can be found in the Public reports pack.