The 2025 Willingham Community Plan identified “Traffic Volume, Congestion and Speed” as a main concern of residents. Although the Parish Council has requested a weight limit on the B1050 on numerous occasions, we have been repeatedly told that this cannot be done because, as one of the few crossings of the Great Ouse, the route is of strategic importance.
To try to reduce traffic speed, the Parish Council successfully applied for 40 mph buffer zones north and south of the village centre. We also installed Speed Indicating Devices (SIDs) in partnership with the Roadwatch group and supported the village SpeedWatch scheme.
The SIDs show drivers how fast they are travelling but also log traffic. The latest report from devices within the 30 mph zone on Earith Road recorded outbound (2 weeks): 600 over 50 mph with a maximum speed of 87 mph and inbound (3 weeks): 1776 over 50 mph with a maximum speed of 79 mph. Historically, the highest speeds recorded have been over 100 mph. This is a clear demonstration that something must be done to curb these excessive speeds and the last resort is a physical barrier.
As a condition of the planning permission for Northstowe, developers had to contribute Section 106 funds to mitigate the effects of increased traffic in surrounding villages. Section 106 funds are paid by developers to create facilities (e.g. additional school places, recreational land) or correct problems which may be caused by new developments. The money has been allocated to Cambridgeshire County Council Highways Department and can only be used for this specific purpose. It cannot be used for general maintenance. If it is not spent within the time limit, then the money must be returned.
The Highways Department has proposed spending some of these funds on speed restriction measures in Willingham. They have suggested a give way restriction with priority to outbound traffic. This was surprising; when the Parish Council requested such restrictions in the past, we were told that they would not work because of the “tidal flow” of the traffic through Willingham. This opinion has changed, apparently because the traffic lights are now thought to give sufficient breaks in traffic.
The Parish Council have previously suggested that road narrowing, with or without a central island, might be a solution. Ironically, Highways considered the road too narrow already and widening it would be too expensive given the ditches at the roadside.
Before effort is spent on detailed design and costs of any works, it is important to hear public opinion. If the project does progress then we will, of course, share exact details and consult particularly those residents who may be most affected.
Comments can be emailed to: clerk@willinghamparishcouncil.gov.uk or popped through the letter box of the office, located at the Ploughman Hall, West Fen Road. Please note that due to the anticipated volume, we will not able to reply to each submission individually.