A local authority in England has launched a public consultation on plans to introduce new 20mph speed limits across multiple roads, potentially impacting thousands.
It comes after Wiltshire Council plans on lowering the speed limits to 20mph in the village of Chirton and Conock, near Devizes.
The proposed changes are in response to safety concerns raised by the local parish council. The initiative aims to reduce vehicle speeds on several residential streets throughout the village, marking a significant change to current traffic regulations in the area.
If approved, the scheme would see speed restrictions implemented across numerous local roads, though the main A342 route passing the village would maintain its existing speed limit.
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20mph speed limits form part of broader transport measures by the council to improve the region
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The new speed restrictions would cover eight specific roads in the village area, including C51 Patney Road and C51 The Hollow.
Other affected routes include C51 The Street, C241 Small Street, Miller Close, Park View, Thumwood Terrace and Yew Tree Close.
The changes form part of a comprehensive traffic management scheme designed to improve road safety in the residential areas of Chirton and Conock.
A Wiltshire Council spokesperson said: “This Traffic Regulation Order has been proposed by the Pewsey Area Board as a result of an issue raised by Chirton and Conock Parish Council through the subsidiary Local Highway and Footway Improvement group.”
The council has confirmed that a thorough speed limit assessment was conducted before making the recommendation for reduced speeds.
The new speed limit proposals come as part of Wiltshire Council’s broader £22million investment in improving the county’s highways infrastructure.
As part of this investment, the council has already installed nearly 1,000 new road signs across the region, with 80 per cent already in place.
Councillor Nick Holde said the council will use the funds to address potholes and flood prevention measures. He added: “This £22million investment is transforming Wiltshire’s highways and the results are clear to see.”
The new signage programme includes both warning and regulatory signs, demonstrating the council’s commitment to improving road safety measures.
Once the consultation period ends, the council will review all submissions before making a final decision on implementing the new speed restrictions.
Councillor Tamara Reay continued, saying: “Transport is something that is important to us all, whether we are motorists, cyclists, pedestrians or users of public transport. It is also a key enabler for economic growth.
“That is why it is important that everyone takes part in this consultation to help shape the future of transport in Wiltshire. To find out more and ask questions, people can join us at one of our information webinars, or they can read all the documents and share their views through the survey on our website.”
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The proposed changes could have a huge impact on local residents
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Reay noted that the council will be taking a place-led approach to the road changes which will “enable us to take into account the unique circumstances and requirements of our rural towns and villages and could help to unlock more funding to improve transport throughout Wiltshire”.
