Objection to reducing Marlborough's 60mph road speed limit

Free's Avenue, a busy, narrow road on the outskirts of Marlborough, currently has a speed limit of 60mph which comes into force just before the entrance to Marlborough Cemetery.

However, the road speed between the cemetery and Rockley could be reduced to 40mph after Marlborough Town Council and several residents raised concerns over the safety of the road users accessing the Wessex Ridgeway footpath and the rugby club.

Two months on from a traffic order consultation, Wiltshire Council has now revealed that the plan remains uncertain after an objection has been made.

Details of all the letters of objection and support are now being considered by Councillor Caroline Thomas, Cabinet Member for Transport, and a decision is expected to be reached by the end of March 2024.

Frees Avenue in Marlborough is a busy, narrow road. (Image: Marlborough Town Council)

“Marlborough Town Council, via the Marlborough Local Highway and footway Improvement Group, requested that the speed limit on Free's Avenue be reduced,” Councillor Thomas told the Gazette.

“This is part of a series of measures to increase safety for children and adults crossing Free's Avenue to attend rugby and football training and fixtures.

“Consultation on the proposed change started on 11 December and an official objection relating to the length of the proposed 40 mph limit has been received as well as one comment supporting the change.

"A decision on whether to proceed with the change will be made by the end of March."