PLANS to raise the speed limit on the A10 as it enters Royston have caused concern among residents. Consultation is currently taking place on a scheme which would see the speed limit increased from 30mph to 40mph on the stretch of the A10 between the entr

PLANS to raise the speed limit on the A10 as it enters Royston have caused concern among residents.

Consultation is currently taking place on a scheme which would see the speed limit increased from 30mph to 40mph on the stretch of the A10 between the entrance to Royston Hospital and the turning for The Warren.

One resident, Colin Helliwell, of Layston Park, said: "It seems like a bizarre idea to me, considering you have the entrance to the hospital so close by.

"You already get cars coming down there far too fast, so it's ridiculous to encourage them to go faster. They should be looking to make the speed limit lower, rather than increase it."

Hertfordshire Highways has sent leaflets out to houses in the area, informing residents about the plans, which would also see traffic islands created near the entrances to Royse Grove and Layton Park.

A spokesman for Hertfordshire Highways said the aim of the scheme was to create a "buffer zone" for drivers between Royston and the existing 60mph section of the A10.

He said: "Speed surveys on this stretch suggest that the current 30mph limit could be considered inappropriate, and that measures need to be taken to manage traffic speeds in a way that matches the character and layout of the road, rather than changing straight from 60 to 30 as it does at present.

"The move has been suggested through the North Herts joint member panel, and is currently going through informal consultation, so no decisions have been taken yet. "Depending on the outcome, the proposals will be advertised through the order process, which will give members of the public the chance to comment or object to the proposals."

Reaction to the plans can be logged on the Hertfordshire County Council website www.hertsdirect.org