Drivers puzzled by 9mph speed limit in Harold Wood estate

9mph. Picture: Google Maps Google Maps

Bemused drivers are having to keep a very close eye on their speed as they pass through a new Harold Wood estate.

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Countryside Properties, developers of the Kings Park estate off St Clements Avenue have installed bizarre speed limits of 9mph on its roads.

Residents have been discussing why they chose 9mph rather than the more common 10mph, with some cynics putting it down to the cost of producing the signs.

George B took to Streetlife in search of answers. “I saw this sometime ago and was puzzled by it? Why 9mph?” he said.

Colin M replied: “I suspect it’s to do with the fact that 10mph requires a larger sign because of the font size and two numbers being used!”

Another user, Martin S, quipped: “It’s a mistake, it should read 8.75mph.”

A spokesman for Countryside Properties did not explain the reason behind the choice, but said the speed limits were put in place due to reports of people speeding.

“The polyclinic and the University are accessed through Kings Park and therefore there a lot of pedestrians using the roads,” he said. “So to ensure their safety we installed the signs to make drivers think about their speed.”

The company is in the process of securing the adoption of the roads, and when that happens the speed limits will be set by Havering Council.