Decision on 20mph speed limit rollout across Gloucestershire
Stratford Herald· 312 words · 2 min read
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Plans to rollout 20mph zones across Gloucestershire have been given the go-ahead.
Gloucestershire County Council's Liberal Democrat leadership has confirmed on 18th March it will implement the proposals along with new road safety measures.
The Safer Roads and Community 20s programme will set out how lower speed limits will be introduced in towns, villages and neighbourhoods where there is local support, alongside targeted reductions on higher-risk rural roads.
The initiative aims to reduce deaths and serious injuries, make streets safer for residents and support healthier, more active communities.
Lower speeds are proven to reduce both the likelihood and severity of collisions.
In residential areas they also make it easier and safer for people to walk, wheel and cycle, helping children get to school safely, older residents stay active, and communities feel more connected.
The county council has already secured almost £2.8 million of funding to begin delivery, with the first schemes expected in 2026/27.
In Warwickshire 20mph speed limits have been used in town centres as part of larger schemes and have also been trialled in five villages in the county.
After preliminary trials in trials in 2022/23 in Baddesley Ensor, Fenny Compton, Monks Kirby, Ryton-on-Dunsmore, and Tanworth-in-Arden used to evaluate the effectiveness of reduced speeds in villages, it was noted that while 20mph can work, a "blanket" approach is not always suitable.
In addition, councillors on the Task and Finish Group found that each 20mph blanket approaches (20mph for a whole village/town) in Warwickshire would cost between £34,000-£141,000. Therefore, if every village and town in Warwickshire had a 20mph limit then it would cost £12.7 million.
Evidence presented by the officers that 20mph limits in some areas could lead to speed increasing and more accidents if the speed limit is too low and drivers do not follow it. Certain roads are appropriate for 20mph limits, but a blanket approach was not.