WINCHESTER’s transport chief has said there is “no point” in an unenforced speed limit after police revealed that speeding drivers who ignore the city centre’s new 20mph cap will escape prosecution.

Cllr Mike Southgate, Winchester City Council’s portfolio holder for transport, said he was “disappointed” police would not enforce the 20mph zone, which was introduced to the city centre and parts of Hyde in August.

He said: “The whole point of restrictions is to emphasise to people that you consider 20 as the appropriate maximum speed. I’m not too depressed by the fact that they’re not legally enforceable.”

He added the limit was designed to create “a feeling of ambience and calm” and similar restrictions were working in towns such as Portsmouth.

Police told a town forum meeting last week that they do not enforce 20mph zones. City centre speed could instead be monitored by volunteers with no enforcement powers through community Speedwatch schemes.

Belinda Kingsley, of Community Speedwatch, said that police could visit “hot-spots” but would not punish offenders.

She said: “They can go out with the Speedwatch teams, but you’re not going to get enforcement taking place. My understanding is we don’t enforce 20mph limits. Speedwatch is a deterrent.”

Motorists caught by Speedwatch receive a letter informing them of their speed, with repeat offences culminating in a verbal warning from a police community support officer (PCSO).

Cllr Ian Tait said: “What are we trying to achieve if the police are not going to enforce virtually everyone speeding? What have we achieved with that?

“They could be sending out thousands of letters a week. It doesn’t work.”

The reduction from 30mph was designed to cut carbon emissions and encourage more people to walk or cycle to work.

Cllr Chris Pines told the meeting: “It is working, speeds are coming down. That must be the case. I have certainly observed that.”

He added that Speedwatch volunteers, who primarily operate in 30 and 40mph zones outside of the city centre, could join forces to monitor the new 20mph zone.

After the meeting, Cllr Mather said Winchester College is interested in adopting the limit in the streets surrounding its campus.

She added that she had received more messages from communities wishing to adopt the limit themselves than complaints about the current scheme.

National guidelines from the Association of Chief Police Officers advise that enforcement should be “considered” in 20mph zones where there is deliberate speeding or the limit is unclear.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Hayes said police follow ACPO advice as part of routine patrols.

He said: “It is not simply a matter to impose a speed limit. Local authorities should engineer a limit, leaving the police to target persistent and deliberate offenders where there is evidence of regular and deliberate offending.

“As with all crimes including the breaking of speed limits, the police will use discretion when to enforce the law and how that enforcement might take place.”