In this section are shown Briefing Notes from the recent round of consultation meetings.

Following correspondence from parishioners which showed some confusion and erroneous facts about the proposed 20mph scheme, Hilton Parish Council is sharing the following update to provide clear and factual information. This is an opportunity to improve road safety in our village, and many residents have asked for more detail about the background, costs, and impact.

Why is a 20mph limit being proposed?

The aim is to improve safety for all road users, particularly pedestrians, children, and older residents.

• At 30mph, the risk of a pedestrian being killed in a collision is 1 in 5.
• At 20mph, that risk drops to 1 in 40 (Roadwise).

Hilton’s residential roads have recorded average speeds over 25mph in most areas. Reducing speeds can help prevent serious accidents and make walking and cycling safer and more appealing.

Will it make a difference?

Yes. Evidence from around the UK shows that introducing 20mph limits leads to lower speeds and fewer collisions:

• Edinburgh saw a 24% drop in speeds and a 40% reduction in casualties (Edinburgh News).
• London recorded a 34% reduction in people killed and seriously injured, and a 75% reduction in the number of children killed (TfL).
• In Wales, where a national 20mph limit was introduced in 2023, early data shows a reduction of fatalities and serious injuries by 100 (BBC).

These changes make a measurable difference in both safety and quality of life, particularly in villages and residential areas.

What about the Belfast study?

A 2022 BMJ study in Belfast did report limited changes after a city-centre 20mph scheme. However, that was in an already low-speed area with different conditions from Hilton.

 

By contrast, rural and village settings, like Slough, the Scottish Borders, and Edinburgh suburbs, have shown significant reductions in speeds and accidents after introducing 20mph limits.

What did residents say?

Hilton Parish Council conducted a community consultation in 2023. Of the 163 responses received 79% were in favour of introducing a 20mph speed limit in the village.

This strong local support has helped bring the proposal forward to the current stage.

How much will it cost?

The cost of the scheme for Hilton is relatively low:

• Hilton: approximately £18,000
• Of this, £4,500 has already been spent on officer time, safety audits, and public consultation.
• For comparison, a similar scheme in Huntingdon recently cost £195,000.

The funding comes from a ringfenced road safety budget specifically for 20mph schemes. If Hilton chooses not to proceed, the funding will be reallocated to another village, it cannot be spent on potholes or other repairs.

Can the section of Potton Road that is planned to remain at 30mph be included in the scheme?

Not at this time. The section of Potton Road in question:

• Does not have any properties fronting onto it (i.e. there are no driveways or access points),
• Does not have street lighting, both of which are typically required for 20mph zones.

However, if circumstances change in future, for example, if street lighting and traffic-calming measures such as speed bumps are installed, the situation could be reconsidered.

What about 40mph buffer zones?

Some residents have asked whether the village can still implement 40mph buffer zones without the 20mph core limit. Unfortunately, the answer is no.

The 40mph zones are part of the same safety package and will only be implemented as part of the 20mph scheme.

What are the next steps?

This proposal is now fully developed and ready to proceed. The decision is:

• Either Hilton proceeds with the 20mph scheme as planned, or
• The scheme is withdrawn, and the opportunity (including funding) is passed to another village.

 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Parish Council. We are committed to ensuring residents have all the facts to make an informed view.

Submit your comments to CCC: https://consultation.appyway.com/huntingdonshire

An excellent opportunity for a committed and organised local resident

Hilton Parish Council is seeking an enthusiastic and capable Hilton parishioner to join our team in the role of Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer, or alternatively as a Deputy Clerk to support the Clerk in their duties.

We’re looking for someone who is:

• A strong team player with good interpersonal skills
• Reliable, well-organised, and self-motivated
• Confident using computers and digital systems
• Comfortable with numbers and has solid written and verbal communication skills

Experience in local government or administration is a plus, but not essential. Full training and support will be provided as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

• Advising the Council on legal procedures and ensuring compliance with all statutory requirements
• Organising and attending all Council meetings, preparing agendas and minutes
• Managing the Council’s financial records and processes
• Monitoring the implementation of Council policies
• Coordinating and responding to planning applications

A full job description is available here.

The person specification is available here.

Role Details:

• Home-based, part-time position (12 hours/week)
• Evening attendance required for Parish Council meetings, plus availability during standard office hours for correspondence
• A six-month probationary period applies
• Salary will be based on the NJC pay scale and reflect your experience and qualifications

• • Clerk – SCP 24-28 (£17.79-£19.66 ph)
  • Deputy Clerk – SCP 18-23 (£15.84-£17.29 ph)

 

A full Job Description and required key competencies, along with an application form, are available from Nicola Webster, Clerk.  Questions concerning the role should be addressed by email in the first instance to Nicola ().

 

Applications forms demonstrating how the applicant meets the key competencies and job description should be sent by email to:  by close of office hours on Friday 11th July 2025.