New speed limits in Elmswell, Wetherden, Beyton and Drinkstone in response to ‘rat running’ according to National Highways

New speed restrictions have been implemented across several Suffolk villages in response to drivers using back roads as ‘rat runs’.

New signs averse to the regular limits have been placed in Beyton, Elmswell, Wetherden and Drinkstone, near Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket, with the majority of these reducing the limit from 30mph to 20mph.

The majority of this is in response to the A14 roadworks which are currently underway, as drivers seek to avoid the long queues as a result of the contraflow measures.

National Highways state that the new caps are a mitigation measure against speeding on the carriageways after collecting data over the last few months using safety camera vans.

A spokesperson said: “The data collected over the last few months showed that whilst most drivers complied with the speed limit, there are a number of drivers travelling above the speed limit.

“We’re therefore intending to temporarily reduce the speed limit on a number of local roads.

“Whilst we can’t stop drivers from using local roads as a rat run, we aim to slow down any vehicles and make it safer for vulnerable road users, like pedestrians and cyclists.

National Highways worked with Suffolk County Council to find the best course of further action to prevent the ‘rat running’ through local villages.

The temporary speed reductions are subject to temporary traffic regulation orders.

There are also incidences of a reduction from 60mph for 40mph.

Further information can be found here

The limits will be removed once the A14 junction 47a to 49 reconstruction project is completed in summer 2024.