A TOTAL of 76 per cent of people are in favour of creating a 20mph speed zones in an area at risk of a "serious accident".

Hertfordshire County Council launched a consultation about whether speed limits should be reduced to force people to stop speeding in Kingswood, Garston.

But only 140 people out of a possible 1,023 people in the area replied with their views on the matter - a response rate of 13.7 per cent.

Despite a disappointing number of responses, Cllr Tim Williams, who is leading the drive, has vowed not to feel disheartened.

He said: "I did have to take my breath a bit, but then I was told it was more than the standard. However, I would have appreciated it if more people aired their opinions."

Although the response of 75.7 per cent of people in favour of reducing the speed limit seems low, Cllr Williams says it is actually the complete opposite.

"Usually, these things are in the low 70s so this is higher than the usual," he said. "Sometimes in these matters there's a silent majority.

"It's pleasing that 76 per cent are in favour as it's a purely residential area, there's no need to go in excess of 20mph, especially when children and elderly are around."

The consultation ended on October 23 and the results have just been made public.

Many people who responded question why a section of North Approach was not included, and questioned the police resources to actually enforce the 20mph speed zone.

But Cllr Williams says he will work with the local police to get more speed checks completed.

If successful, the estate could be Watford's largest 20mph zone.

Cllr Williams, who funded the consultation with his highways locality budget, said: "I think safety of residents is paramount.

"Kingswood is purely residential, there’s no need for speeding or idiots who speed.

"When you bring a 20s plenty campaign in, it reduces the average speed by around six miles an hour. I think that's a goal worth achieving.

"There’s been many near misses here and it could be a fatality."

The next step is to launch a legal consultation around January of February time, which Cllr Williams hopes more people will get involved in.

Send your thoughts in a letter to robert.collins@london.newsquest.co.uk.