The Highways & Transport Committee has greenlit the delivery of 79 Local Highway Improvement (LHI) schemes and seven new 20mph projects across the county as part of the council’s 2026-27 programme. Both initiatives are largely driven by applications from local groups, parish, and town councils.
For the 20mph schemes, Cambridgeshire County Council received 82 applications from community groups. Data presented to the committee suggested that previously implemented 20mph schemes have led to statistically significant speed reductions and a decrease in collisions in those areas.
The seven highest-scoring community applications for 20mph schemes were approved for progression: Elsworth, Great Paxton, Sawston, Kimbolton and Stonely, Balsham, Rampton, and West Wratting. Further local engagement and statutory consultation will be conducted for each scheme.
Additionally, councillors approved the proposed Local Highway Improvements (LHI) Programme for 2026-27, which allows community groups and local councils to apply for highway improvements not typically prioritised by the council. Projects funded through this programme have previously included traffic-calming measures and crossing improvements to enhance road safety and promote active travel.
A budget of £820,000 was allocated to the 2026-27 LHI Programme, with 168 community-led applications received. Of these, 79 projects were identified for inclusion following scoring and prioritisation.
Approved LHI schemes include traffic calming and speed limit reductions on the A10 at Stretham and A1123 at Wilburton in East Cambridgeshire; priority chicanes on Teal Road in Whittlesey and junction improvements in Wisbech for Fenland; new zebra crossings in Huntingdon and St Neots for Huntingdonshire; traffic calming measures in Pampisford and Linton for South Cambridgeshire; and active travel routes along Barnwell Road in Cambridge City.
Cllr Alex Beckett, chair of the Highways & Transport Committee, stated: “It’s brilliant to see continued high levels of locally-led applications to both our 20mph and LHI schemes from across the county. Confirming nearly £1M of funding for these schemes today highlights our commitment to empowering local communities to take a leading role in making their streets safer, encouraging healthier, more active travel where they live.”
He added: “I’m extremely proud of the community driven programmes approved today which will make a meaningful difference to people’s lives across Cambridgeshire, helping us all to live more healthily and sustainably as part of well-connected and engaged communities.”
The next application window for 20mph schemes opens in early November and closes in May 2027. Details for the LHI scheme application window are yet to be confirmed.
