Corsham roads could have 20mph speed limit imposed

A consultation is ongoing ahead of plans to transform sections of four Corsham town centre roads into 20mph zones.

The proposal, put forward by the town council after two years of talks with Wiltshire Council’s highways department, includes parts of Newlands Road, Pickwick Road, Station Road and Pound Pill.

Town council chair Cllr Helen Belcher is hopeful the scheme would create a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists.

She said: “We’re trying to make the town centre much more friendly for people and that involves slowing traffic on the main roads through.

“We need to make sure people can walk and cycle, and feel safe doing so, we want to make the area more welcoming for pedestrians.”

A stretch of Newlands Road that could become 20mph (Image: Newsquest)A growth in tourism numbers has also contributed to these aims, according to Cllr Belcher.

But some were left disappointed the plans are not more extensive, with the original scheme covering a greater stretch of Pickwick Road.

Cllr Belcher admitted the process had been “frustrating” and criticised Wiltshire Council’s “mechanical” policy.

Read more: Corsham Primary head appeals for 30mph speed limit zone

She said: “I’m looking forward to getting it done but it’s frustrating it’s taken so long and, while the residents I have spoken to are in favour, some think it’s not big enough.

“It’s not the full area and Wiltshire Council takes a very mechanical view towards speed limits, so we’re left bashing out heads against the wall trying to be heard.”

The council say they are limited by a range of criteria dictating suitable 20mph zones.

A stretch of Newlands Road that could become 20mph (Image: Newsquest)Cabinet member for transport Cllr Caroline Thomas said: “Residents’ safety continues to be an overriding priority.

“Improving road safety is carried out through education, enforcement, engineering activities and speed restrictions, including 20mph limits where circumstances suggest they are appropriate and can realistically bring a demonstrable change in driver behaviour that will result in an improvement for pedestrians and other vulnerable users.

“Requests are assessed against national criteria and our adopted policy. To ensure they remain both credible and effective, it’s essential they are only used in suitable areas which meet the criteria.

“If not their effectiveness and public acceptance will quickly be eroded. 20mph limits are not a panacea to all road safety issues in built up urban areas and villages but are one of a range of available solutions to address concerns.”

A stretch of Station Road that could become 20mph (Image: Newsquest)Residents can register their opinions on the proposal and view more details on the Corsham Town Council website.