Petition for 20mph speed zone handed in after ‘near misses’ near Cheltenham schools

Teachers, parents and pupils are calling for a 20mph zone to be introduced outside schools in Cheltenham after “several near misses”.

A total of 124 people signed a petition calling for the speed reduction outside Rowanfield Junior and Infant schools Alstone Lane.

Councillor David Willingham (LD, St Mark’s and St Peter’s), who represents the area on Gloucestershire County Council, presented the petition at Shire Hall yesterday (June 28).

He read out the petition which he said came about due to safety concerns from staff, parents, guardians and pupils.

“We the undersigned call on Gloucestershire County Council to implement a 20mph zone in the area around Rowanfield Junior and Infants Schools to replicate the measures already taken elsewhere especially in parished areas of Gloucestershire.

“We are fully aware that the reduced speed limit will make it safer for our children to walk to and from school and will make the roads in the vicinity of the school safer for all road users.

“We’ve received numerous complaints over the years and have several near misses wih road incidents right outside the school gates. 20mph is plenty. It is a key priority and part of our school’s transport plan.”

“The motion was given to fire, community safety and libraries cabinet member Dave Norman (C, Grange and Kingsway) who said in a response to a question about the issue that the council has previously installed speed cushions to calm traffic and a school safety zone with an advisory 20mph limit in Alstone Lane.

“In addition our Thinktravel team has been working closely with Rowanfield Infants and Juniors over this academic year supporting extra bikeability, scootability, led walks and to re-launch of their walking bus.

These measures have been well received and help to improve safety and equip young people with the skills to travel actively to school.

“We are committed to improving road safety countywide and will always fully consider requests in line with our road safety policy.

“In this case, I believe officers have met with Cllr Willingham and advised that this site does not meet the data led threshold for a speed reduction intervention as set out in our policy.”