Plans to rollout 20mph zones across Gloucestershire have been heavily criticised by angry residents.
Gloucestershire County Council’s proposals to lower the speed limit across the region were given the green light by the Liberal Democrat leadership, having been mooted since 2017.
A number of roads across the county have already had their speed limit lowered but locals feel the measures lack impact.
“Are you looking at them going down the road at 30 or 40mph? There’s no benefit,” said Mahesh Patel, who works in the post office on Hatherley Road, Cheltenham, one of the places where a 20mph limit has been introduced.
“I wouldn’t say people drive dangerously but people go faster than the speed limit. 20mph is a waste of time. I’ve been to London and it’s just gridlock.”
Residents were in favour of the measures being introduced on roads surrounding schools.
Around 64% of parents in the UK say their school doesn’t have 20mph speed limits on surrounding roads according to road safety charity, Brake.
“I think they’re poorly enforced. On certain roads I can understand them, near schools, but generally it just slows the traffic down and it’s slow enough anyway,” Clive remarked.
“At least they haven’t got cameras here because you come off your drive and you don’t think about it, you just go into 30mph. You have to really concentrate at 20mph.
“What’s the point? It’s not doing your engine much good either if you’re always in second gear.”
Despite reports of the limits being frequently ignored, residents on Hatherley Road were averse to stricter enforcement of the rules.
“I don’t think it’s enforced at all. I find it embarrassing going at 20mph, you’ve got someone right behind you and you’re embarrassed to be going that slow,” said Ray.
“I do a bit of walking around here and nobody’s taking any notice at all. I don’t think it would pay off being enforced.”
Despite the reservations of locals, the decision to give 20mph zones the go-ahead – as part of the safer roads and community 20s programme – was welcomed by Rod King MBE, founder of the 20s Plenty for Us charity.
“All over the UK 20mph limits are being set by councils in response to community aspirations to make their places better places to be,” he commented.
“All the data shows that it works. Besides resulting in a 20-30% drop in road casualties, it makes for quieter, cleaner and more comfortable streets for walking, cycling and driving.
“The impact on journey times for drivers is minimal, especially at peak times when its junctions, lights, parked cars and other hazards that determine journey time, rather than how fast you go between stopping points. 20mph limits are a win-win for communities and it’s great that they are coming to Gloucestershire.”
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 programme aims to reduce deaths and serious injuries, make streets safer for residents and support healthier, more active communities.
The Liberal Democrats insisted they are implementing what people voted for, whilst the Green Party said the 20mph limits ensure “that people take priority rather than cars.”
“Highways are for everyone, not just motor vehicles,” stated Green group leader Beki Hoyland, Councillor for Blakeney and Bream. “20mph limits start to change the balance of power, making us feel safer and thereby enabling us to make different choices about how we make local journeys.”
“It enables us to walk and cycle which in turn leads to a healthier lifestyle. More walking and cycling will also build community and make our air cleaner.
“There are really clear stats that show a reduction in those killed and seriously injured on our roads by vehicles but with the added benefits to health and community is also a long-term cost benefit to society.”
The Conservative party argued that the measures are no different to the policies introduced by the previous Tory administration, whilst Reform UK’s group suggested 20mph zones should be limited to high-priority areas where safety is paramount.
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.
