Gloucestershire
County Council is inviting residents, businesses and communities in Cinderford
and surrounding areas to share their views on proposals to introduce lower
speed limits across the area.
The
plans form part of Gloucestershire County Council's Safer Roads and Community
20s programme and aim to create safer streets by reducing speeds where people
are most at risk.
The
proposals cover Cinderford and surrounding areas, including Ruspidge and
Soudley and Littledean, and would introduce more consistent speed limits across
these communities. Most urban and residential streets are proposed to become
20mph, particularly in areas where people live, shop, travel locally and spend
time with family and friends.
Alongside
this, lower speed limits are proposed on key routes entering Cinderford and the
surrounding villages to support safer transitions into 20mph areas and improve
conditions for people walking, wheeling and cycling. Together, the changes aim
to reduce the risk of collisions and support safer and more sustainable travel
choices.
In
some locations, existing 30mph and 40mph speed limits would remain where they
are considered appropriate and are working effectively.
The
proposals are being brought forward as part of the first tranche of locations
within the Safer Roads and Community 20s programme. Cinderford and surrounding
areas scored highly in Gloucestershire County Council's prioritisation
exercise, which considered road safety challenges, public health factors and
expressions of interest from Cinderford Parish Council and Ruspidge and Soudley
Parish Council.
Over
the five-year period between 2021 and 2025, 117 road traffic casualties were
recorded across Cinderford, Littledean, Ruspidge and Soudley, with just over a
quarter resulting in people being killed or seriously injured. More than a
quarter of all casualties involved vulnerable road users, including
pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
Public
engagement is now open and will run until midnight on Sunday 8 November.
Residents
can view the proposals, comment on an interactive map and complete an online
survey here: https://haveyoursaygloucestershire.uk.engagementhq.com/cinderford-and-surrounding-areas-safer-roads-and-community-20s?preview=true
Paper
copies of the consultation materials and hard-copy surveys are also available
at Cinderford Library, Belle Vue Road, Cinderford, GL14 2BZ.
People
can also speak directly with the project team at the following events:
·
In-person pop-up event: CANDI Unlimited, 31 Market Street, Cinderford, GL14 2RT, on
Tuesday 20 October, from 10am to 6pm.
·
Online webinar: Thursday 5 November, from 6pm to 7pm. Please register via this
link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/8vwSQwiq8C
If there is
community support, a formal Traffic Order consultation will be launched in
winter 2026, with any approved changes expected to be introduced in mid-2027.
Cllr Roger Whyborn, cabinet member for sustainable transport and road
safety, said:"We're now asking residents, businesses and local
organisations to share their views on the proposals for Cinderford and the
surrounding area. Feedback from the community will help us understand local
priorities and inform the next stage of the project.
"These
proposals are part of our work to make roads safer and support healthier
communities. By reducing speeds in key locations, we can help lower the risk of
collisions and create places where people feel more comfortable walking,
wheeling and cycling.”
ENDS
Issued
by – Communications team, Gloucestershire County Council, 01452 427554,communications@gloucestershire.gov.uk
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