| Dear Clerk,
I am writing to thank you for the continued interest and support shown by parishes and town councils across the county for Safer Roads and Community 20s. We appreciate the time and effort communities have put into requests and conversations with us, and I wanted to share a general update on progress.
The County Council’s Cabinet met on 18 March 2026 and approved a countywide approach to implementing speed limit reductions through a dedicated Safer Roads and Community 20s programme, funded for delivery over the next two years. The Cabinet report explaining why and how the programme is being taken forward has been published on the Council’s website here: GCC Cabinet Decision Safer Roads and Community 20s.
As part of this programme, locations are assessed and prioritised using a consistent evidence‑based methodology. This includes consideration of:
- recorded collision data,
- indices of multiple deprivation (with a focus on the 20% most deprived areas of the county),
- proximity to trip attractors such as schools and community facilities,
- active travel routes, and
- the suitability of the road network for a reduced speed limit.
Even with an additional £2.7 million of road safety funding agreed for the next two years, it is not possible to implement 20 mph limits in all 150+ requested locations at the same time. A priority list has therefore been agreed to ensure that available funding is targeted where it can deliver the greatest road safety benefit first, with the initial phases implemented over 2 years including 2026/27 and 2027/28. The prioritised locations and other speed limit reduction schemes are listed Appendices to the Cabinet report.
At present, your parish area is not included in the current priority phases. This does not reflect a lack of community support, but rather the need for the Council to work within available funding and programme capacity, with a transparent prioritisation process.
While your area should be considered as part of future phases of the programme, it is important to be open that this is not intended to be within the next two years. We recognise that this will be disappointing for some, particularly where there is strong local appetite for change.
For clarity I should add that other requests for speed limit reviews from Councillors/ Councils that are not already with a GCC team as a confirmed (in writing) project for delivery will not be taken forward. Speed limit reviews at their locations will be covered by the Safer Roads/Community 20s project in due time. This is to ensure a coordinated and efficient approach to implementing speed limit changes in each area.
Also, whilst new applications for Community Speedwatch (CSW) cameras and Vehicle Activated Signs (VAS) are no longer being accepted we will continue to support existing schemes The County Council is developing a policy to support their installation in limited cases. This is likely to be alongside the introduction of lower speed limits under the Safer Roads and Community 20s programme and where it is independently funded further details will be shared later this summer.
What the new programme does provide is a clear commitment to tackling speed and road safety across Gloucestershire in a planned, consistent and sustainable way, with 20 mph firmly embedded as part of that long‑term approach. I hope this provides clarity and helps you update the community honestly.
For the latest on Safer Roads and Community 20s please visit the County Council’s web site. To view a road safety collision map for your parish please visit the Public Map.
Thank you again for your support for Safer Roads and Community 20s in Gloucestershire.
Thank you again for engaging with us to express your interest in the Safer Roads/Community 20s project.
Yours sincerely, |