Reform Councillor Calls Isle Of Wight Speed Limits 'Ridiculous' Amid Village Safety Debate

A Reform UK Isle of Wight councillor has described some of the Island's speed limits as "ridiculous" after calls for lower limits in two villages.

Shanklin Central councillor Stephen Reynolds made the comments on social media following remarks by Green Party councillor Claire Critchison, who said she would like to see 20mph speed limits introduced in the centres of both Niton and Whitwell.

Responding to a report on the County Press Facebook page, Cllr Reynolds argued that enforcement often targets the "wrong easy targets" and suggested more attention should be given to dangerous and anti-social driving.

He said:

"I'm a councillor and it's the wrong easy targets that get hit with enforcement and our speed limits are ridiculous in my opinion, constantly changing on main roads.

"The quality of drivers is a problem and the lack of enforcement with anti-social driving that has become a problem, a lot taking place by mainland drivers.

"Everyone blaming drivers with modified cars – remember we were all young once.

"My real beef is driving while unfit due to drugs [or] alcohol.

"Now that's the problem and needs fixing, not doing 40 on a main road that has now become a 30."

Speaking at a meeting of Niton and Whitwell Parish Council, Cllr Critchison said residents who exceed the speed limit are "not respecting their community".

She said speeding is the issue raised most frequently by local residents, who "so badly" want to see action taken.

Cllr Critchison added that gathering Community SpeedWatch data would increase the likelihood of further intervention.

Both Cllr Reynolds and Cllr Critchison have been approached for further comment.