"Near misses" outside Cheltenham school sparks calls for 20 mph zone
A petition has been set up by Rowanfield Junior and Infants Schools
Last updated 13th Apr 2023
Several “near misses” outside a Cheltenham school have sparked calls for a 20mph zone.
Rowanfield Junior and Infants Schools have organised a petition which calls on Gloucestershire County Council to introduce the speed limit zone in the Alstone Lane area.
The organisers of the petition say this will replicate the measures already taken elsewhere, especially in parished areas in Gloucestershire.
“We are fully aware that a reduced speed limit will make it safer for our children to walk to and from school and will make the roads in the vicinity of the school safer for all road users,” the petition reads.
“We have received numerous complaints over the years and have had several near misses with road incidents right outside the school gates.
“A ’20 is plenty’ implementation is a key priority as part of our school’s transport plan.”
County councillor David Willingham (LD, St Marks and St Peters) has signed the petition and says the proposals are a simple measure which would improve road safety.
He said: “I fully support the schools’ campaign for a 20mph limit in the school safety zone.
“This is a simple measure to improve road safety. And I hope the county council will listen to the community and deliver these improvements.”
Philip Williams, Assistant Director of traffic and transport at Gloucestershire County Council, thanked the school for organising the petition.
He said the council is committed to improving road safety and reducing collisions and injuries on Goucestershire’s roads.
“This includes earlier work near to Rowanfield Junior and Infant School including the installation of flashing advisory 20mph signs during school pick up and drop off, in addition to the installation of speed humps and a pedestrian crossing.
“We look forward to receiving the petition and have already opened discussions with the local councillor and are working with the school to understand the issues further.”
The council’s ThinkTravel team has been working with the junior school for several years to promote safe walking, scooting and cycling with their pupils.
The authority is also working with Cllr Willingham and the schools on plans to manage school gate parking and have recently consulted on proposals to enforce parking on the yellow zig zag markings.