A MILLBROOK man has launched a campaign to stop Cornwall Council introducing a blanket 20mph limit throughout the village.

Tonny Steenhagen produced a poster criticising the council's consultation and decision to press ahead with the lower limit.

"It looks like somebody in power felt it appropriate to patronise a complete local population and push their own toy ideas ahead regardless," he said.

Gary Leeson, a technician with Cornwall Council's engineering design group, e-mailed those who had taken part in the consultation.

"Comments received were mixed," he wrote.

"Having considered all comments and responses, officers present felt that the scheme should be implemented, with amendments to advertised proposals in some locations."

He said there would be no change to double yellow lines at Dodbrook but the other plans would go ahead.

Mr Steenhagen wrote to George Trubody, who represents Rame on Cornwall Council, and Sheryll Murray, MP for South East Cornwall to ask why the 20mph proposal was being put forward.

He wrote: "What special features, high accident rates, etc, does Millbrook have that this restriction needs to be put in place for the whole village?

"I'm afraid if unrealistic or unfair limitations get imposed it will result in more frustration and civil disobedience and a driving pattern that will follow.

"'Blanket solutions or limitations are never adequate."

Mr Trubody said that in 2010, when the Cornwall Council highways improvement budget was released, he asked all five parish councils in the Rame Peninsula to put forward priorities.

Millbrook Parish Council suggested an extended pavement outside Millbrook School, a 'virtual pavement' at Dodbrook and a 20mph speed limit which were passed to Cornwall Council for consultation.

Responses from Millbrook showed 'general support' from two and 'support' from eight, with one 'unsure' and 11 objections.

"These figures were not just for the 20mph limit as another scheme at Dodbrook was included," said Mr Trubody.

"The parish council agreed to pursue the 20mph limit."

The scheme cannot be implemented until extra funds are found to cover the signage as the cost greatly exceeded his budget.

The next highway improvement budget for members will not be in place until 2013/2014.

Sheryll Murray, MP, said the speed of traffic had been an issue since she became a Cornwall county councillor in 2001.

"Roads through my village of Millbrook and surrounding roads are often narrow and winding and any moves to reduce the speed of traffic can only reduce the number of minor accidents we see occurring," she said.

"I am pleased to see Councllor George Trubody working with local parish councils to address matters that have been raised on the individual Parish Plans. This is precisely what the Government's localism agenda is all about.

"While it is not always possible to satisfy everyone when one introduces change, in this case the safety of pedestrians and school children using these roads must take priority."

To view the consultation documents, visit http://bit.ly/w97iX2