New 20mph zone being considered for Cheltenham near Asda, pub and school

Motorists could find themselves in a new 20mph zone in a busy part of Cheltenham if council plans go ahead. The county council is looking to bring the low-speed zone to the Hatherley area to the west of the town.

The busy Hatherley Lane which runs past the Asda supermarket and the Nuffield Hospital would be in the zone as would side roads coming off it. A stretch of Hatherley Road from Caernarvon Road to near Heron Close (past Lakeside Primary School and The Hatherley pub) would also be in the zone, as well as side roads, excluding Windermere Road.

Other proposals include a zebra crossing near Asda, crossing islands on Hatherley Road near the post office and Heron Close, islands to protect cyclists turning right opposite the hospital and changes to make it easier for pedestrians to cross Reddings Road near the roundabout. Both Hatherley Road and Hatherley Lane can be extremely busy with school, commuter and shopping traffic.

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Gloucestershire County Council says the plans aim to improve road safety with measures that will enable more trips to be made on foot and by bike, which would also help tackle climate change. It says the introduction of a 20mph speed limits would improve safety for all road users and reduce speeds in the area.

An online discussion forum will allow residents to provide comments on roads in the area and use a map to pinpoint where they have specific comments, concerns or suggestions. This will be launched on Monday 19 June and run for four weeks until Sunday 16 July and you can make your views known here

Cllr Dave Norman, Cabinet member responsible for road safety at the council, said: “Reducing speed limits in some residential areas like Hatherley can sometimes be a way to make our roads safer for everyone and give people more confidence to walk and cycle. We are working hard to make our communities safer across the county. I would encourage residents in the area to have their say on these proposals to help shape their area.”

Cllr Roger Whyborn, local member for Benhall and Hatherley at the county council, said: “It is important for residents to take the opportunity to give their views on these proposals by the council, and I would urge them to do so. The proposed changes aim to make the roads in our community safer for all road users in Hatherley.”

Do you support the 20mph zone? Have your say below