By Victor Verster

A straw poll of workers on Portland Road, Hove, found  many are in favour of Brighton and Hove City Council plans to reduce its speed limit from 30mph to 20mph.

A number of people are supporting the proposal, which will be on display today (September 25) in a public exhibition at Hove Town Hall from 2-7pm.

Deborah Jane, 50, owner of the eponymous salon on Portland Road, said: “I have children, so I think it’s a good idea. It would definitely help them cross the road.”

Karim Cisse, 25, a volunteer worker at Hove YMCA, said: “Reducing the speed limit would minimise the risk of children getting hurt on their way to school.”

Mr Cisse added that the council should make every attempt to educate motorists of the new limit should it be brought into force.

Carey Mower, 45, a veterinary nurse at Acorn Veterinary Surgery on Portland Road, said: “I support the proposed reduction. This road is becoming notorious for animal deaths.”

She suggested fewer cats would be killed on the road should the 20mph limit be introduced.

Noel Morgan, 45, a gardener, said: “I think it is a brilliant idea. I believe it would encourage more people to use public transport.”

Mr Morgan used to live in the area and believes fewer carbon emissions would be released by motorists driving at a slower speed.

An official council statement about the proposals states: “The aim of introducing the limit is to improve the street environment for all road users, including car drivers.”

The authority also cited national and international research which suggests 20mph limits reduce the number of road collisions and severity of casualties.