WILTSHIRE Council’s highways chief says residents calling for a 20mph speed limit close to Chippenham schools should put forward a request.

The move follows a petition launched by a concerned mother who is calling for a 20mph speed limit approaching the town’s primary schools.

Cina Minney has launched an online petition on www.change.org which has already attracted more than 240 supporters.

She said: “We need an urgent review of the speed limits in Chippenham and an explanation why the current speed limits of up to 40mph close to schools have been allowed for so long.

“Pedestrian safety measures need to be put in place on Hungerdown Lane, Malmesbury Road, New Road, Bristol Road and Park Lane to protect us from the constant speeding cars.

“The majority of towns in the UK have a 20mph limit around schools and the routes to schools, why not Chippenham?”

One supporter, Nicola Austin said: “I live on one of the mentioned roads which school children use every day and considering it's a 30mph the majority of drivers exceed this unfortunately. It's an accident waiting to happen.”

Another, Nikki Capp said: “I'm worried for my kids and their friends around pick up and drop off.

“Not to mention the number of local cats that have been killed. People drive around Monkton Park like it's an A road. Something needs to be done.”

Supporting the petition, Marilyn Whitemore said: “The traffic near our school is travelling too fast - pets have been killed, I don’t want to see the same happen to a person. The children are vulnerable as are the elderly residents.”

Richard Cox added: “It’s only a matter of time before someone is injured. To date it’s only cat and a dog that has been killed!”

Councillor Dr Mark McClelland, Cabinet Member for Transport, said Wiltshire Council follows Government guidelines in relation to 20mph zones.

He added: “Residents can request for local highways concerns to be considered by the Local Highway and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG) which advises the Area Board on highways improvements.

“LHFIGs take into account the local situation, residents’ concerns, and national guidance.

“The council has an adopted policy on 20mph speed limits and officers use this to provide the LHFIG with an assessment of the request. The request form is available on our website.”

Chippenham MP Michelle Donelan said: "I have supported many constituents to make representations to reduce speed limits across the constituency including by schools and will very much back this campaign.

"I will contact  the Local Highway and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG) through the town council which advises the Area Board on highways improvements. Anyone who wants updates please email michelle.donelan.mp@parliament.uk.”

To sign the petition, visit change.org/p/lower-the-speed-limits-around-chippenham-schools