Communities trying to introduce 20mph speed limits in Hampshire could see their concerns examined by councillors after claims that the current process is too expensive and difficult to navigate.

Members of the universal services select committee are due to decide next week whether to set up a cross-party task and finish group to review how Hampshire’s community-funded 20mph programme is working in practice.

The proposed review follows a motion debated by the county council in July, which argued that the existing system places too many barriers in the way of towns, parishes and community groups seeking lower speed limits.

The motion claimed only one organisation has completed the process since the policy was introduced in January 2024, despite around 40 expressions of interest.

Under Hampshire’s current policy, communities seeking a 20mph limit can be required to fund traffic surveys, public consultation, legal traffic orders, signs, maintenance and, in some cases, speed reduction measures.

The issue has already surfaced in Romsey, where councillors recently postponed a decision on a proposed 20mph scheme after saying they had not received full costings from the county council.

Estimates for the project reportedly increased from around £30,000 to nearly £70,000, sparking debate over whether the scheme represented value for money.

Councillors want to establish whether concerns about cost, surveys and other requirements are preventing communities from successfully applying for 20mph limits.

The proposed working group would review evidence from existing applications and consider whether any improvements to the process are needed.

Speaking about the Romsey town 20mph scheme, Romsey Tadburn councillor Mark Cooper urged the council to “get on with it” and implement the scheme “as quickly as possible”.

Cllr Cooper said: “When Hampshire says it’s going to ‘review’ something it usually means they have no funding or no staff resources to initiate any project.

“Romsey Town Council’s town centre 20mph zone is strongly supported by our public consultation and, despite the cost, the Town Council has found the funding.

“It makes the town centre safer and improves the environment for pedestrians, cyclists and residents.

“So, I urge the County to get on with it and implement the scheme as quickly as possible.”

Supporters say lower speed limits can improve safety and encourage walking and cycling, while critics question whether the costs involved are justified.

The review will not revisit the idea of countywide default 20mph limits, focusing instead on whether the current application process is working as intended.

If approved, the task and finish group would hold its first meeting in November before reporting its findings back to the committee in March 2027.