RESIDENTS of an idyllic Suffolk village say the popular tourist attraction is being ruined by speeding drivers.The tiny village of Pin Mill, in Chelmondiston, Suffolk, is a well known beauty spot which attracts a regular stream of visitors, particularly in the summer season.

RESIDENTS of an idyllic Suffolk village say the popular tourist attraction is being ruined by speeding drivers.

The tiny village of Pin Mill, in Chelmondiston, Suffolk, is a well known beauty spot which attracts a regular stream of visitors, particularly in the summer season.

However, this summer, residents of Pin Mill are upset by motorists coming in and out of the village along Pin Mill Road, who they say are not complying with the new 20 mile an hour restriction.

John Hawkins, 69, of the Woodland, in Pin Mill, said: “For years we've tried to get a 20 mile an hour speed limit and now it's in place it seems people are not taking any notice of it.

“Lots of people leave their cars in the village car park and walk down the road and you're getting these loonies who drive down really fast.

“It's dangerous and it's ruining our beautiful village.”

Vice chancellor of Chelmondiston parish council, Rosie Kirkup, said many people may not be aware that the speeding restriction has been reduced.

She said: “People who come here assume they know what's going on and they don't notice a small change from 30 to 20. When I walk down the lane I can't really see any change to the speed people are driving.

“It's so important to adhere to the restriction because it's a very narrow road where only one vehicle can pass by in places.

“It's also a popular tourist spot and lots of people, including children, walk down to the river, to the sailing club and the Butt and Oyster pub down that road.”

The speed restriction on Pin Mill Road was reduced to 20 miles an hour earlier this year after several years of campaigning by the parish council and local residents.

Mrs Kirkup said: “It's been a long campaign and we have had to persuade the council to agree to it.

“Motorist really need to abide by it now.”

A spokesman for Suffolk County Council said: “This limit works well with the road layout, where the carriageway is narrow and there is limited forward visibility.

“Adding further signs is not necessary and would, in any case, spoil the environment in this area.”

A spokeswoman from Suffolk Police said: “Speed limits are there for a reason and ignoring them can have potentially fatal consequences.

“Everyone can make a difference just by slowing down and we would appeal for drivers to comply with speed limits for their safety and the safety of others.”

Have you or your community been effected by speeding drivers?

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