Ellie Ames 17 May 2024

Council suspends meeting amid disorder over 20mph ‘frustration’

Council suspends meeting amid disorder over 20mph ‘frustration’ image
Image: Henry Franklin / Shutterstock.com

A Ramsey Town Council meeting was suspended and a man was asked to leave after the agenda descended into a heated discussion about a 20mph traffic zone.

The council, in Cambridgeshire, said the chair asked a man to leave the meeting on 9 May after he spoke over a councillor despite being warned about ‘disorderly conduct’.

When he did not leave, the chair suspended the meeting.

The council meeting was so busy it reached capacity under fire regulations amid a 'misconception' that it was a public meeting about the speed restriction, leading the chair to extend the alloted time for public partipation from 20 to 30 minutes.

In a statement, the council said: ‘Strength of feeling does not mean that a full council meeting can turn into a public debate about a single issue, in this case 20mph.’

It added: ‘Councillors should be able to respond without interruption, heckling or abuse.’

The council said members did see the ‘emotion and frustration’ about the 20mph zone.

Cambridgeshire County Council agreed to introduce the speed restriction within the built-up part of Ramsey in November.

Ramsey had consulted on the plans, receiving 10 ‘formal communications’, consisting of three complaints, two in favour and five questions.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Strategic Director, Corporate Services

City of Bradford MDC
c£162,000 per annum, more for an exceptional candidate
Bradford is at an extraordinary moment of transformation Bradford, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: City of Bradford MDC

Director of Human Resources

City of Bradford MDC
£119,466 - £131,207
Bradford is at an extraordinary moment of transformation Bradford, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: City of Bradford MDC

Director of Resources (Section 151 Officer)

North Kesteven District Council
£109,668 – £117,623
Create the conditions for long-term prosperity
Recuriter: North Kesteven District Council

Director of Libraries, Sport and Physical Activity & Communities

Glasgow Life
£102,894.01 - £116,854.38 per year
Our teams focus on making a real difference through culture and sport in Glasgow. Glasgow, Glasgow City
Recuriter: Glasgow Life
Linkedin Banner