Plans to reduce the speed limit on the A4128 Wycombe Road from 40mph to 30mph have attracted mixed views from residents.

The proposed change would apply to the stretch of road between Lodge Lane and Peterley Lane.

The road is described in council documents as being heavily used, serving both local traffic and commuters travelling through the area.

Concerns about road safety were raised by Great Missenden Parish Council, and a public survey was carried out in 2024. Just over 1,100 people responded, with around 80 per cent supporting a reduction in the speed limit.

The scheme would be fully funded by Great Missenden Parish Council, with no financial implications for Buckinghamshire Council.

The total cost of the project, including consultation and the installation of terminal and repeater signs, is expected to be around £30,000.

Supporters of the proposal say lowering the speed limit would make the road through Prestwood safer for pedestrians, particularly given the number of nurseries, churches and other community facilities located along the route.

However, some residents objected to the plans, raising concerns about the cost of implementing the change, whether a new speed limit would be properly enforced, and whether there is sufficient justification for the reduction.

Great Missenden Parish Council, said: “The parish council requested and are funding this change in speed limit, following recent feedback from local residents, along with documented approval for the speed reduction from Bucks Council in 2009.

“The 40mph speed limit on this stretch of road has an impact on Holy Trinity Church as it presents issues to parishioners attending and leaving church and for the numerous groups who use their facilities.

“It also has an impact on staff and customers of local businesses, including Hildreth’s garden Centre, Peterley Manor Farm and Barn Kitchen, and Flower Pots Day Nursery as well as Perks Lane residents.”

Heather Wallace, Conservative councillor for The Missendens, said she fully supported the plans, adding that they would make the area safer for pedestrians.

Fellow Conservative ward councillor Peter Martin said: “As a local councillor and resident I have had numerous representations about the importance of this change.

“This small section of the A4128 is heavily trafficked, unlit with very narrow or no pavements.

“The road also twists and turns with sections of poor visibility. I was also lobbied for the reduction by a resident who had a vehicle end up in their front garden after an accident.”

But a Wycombe Road resident said they believed that 40 mph is a appropriate speed for the stretch of road.

They said: “I have never seen any accidents and reducing the speed limit will probably encourage many road users to exceed the speed limit on this relatively open road, making it more dangerous.”

A decision on the reduction is expected by Tuesday February 10.