Villages interested in new 20mph zones reaches 150

Communities in Gloucestershire have been asked if they want 20mph zones

A total of 150 Gloucestershire villages have contacted the county council to express interest in introducing 20mph speed limits in their area.

Earlier this year, the council's Liberal Democrat administration launched a safer roads scheme, asking local communities if they would like to see speed limits reduced.

But at a county council meeting last Wednesday, opposition councillors raised concerns there would not be enough funding for the schemes. Conservative Councillor Stephen Davies, representing Hardwicke and Severn, said there could be "a tsunami of disappointment".

But the Libs Dems said more funding would be announced in the budget for 2026/27. The deadline to register interest is Friday.

Councillors discussed a scheme to introduce 20mph zones in Gloucestershire villages

Davies said: "I saw £300,000 was announced to help support safer roads.

"That works out at about £2,000 per parish", he added.

In response, the sustainable transport and strategic highways cabinet member, Liberal Democrat Roger Whyborn (Benhall and Up Hatherley) explained the £300,000 was an initial amount of funding, and that more would be allocated in next year's budget.

"For the capital funding, I'd say wait for the budget for 2026/27.

"I fully expect to move forward with a programme which addresses all 150 parishes. They are not all going to be done in one day or even one year.

"It's an ongoing programme, which will take a period of time to address.

"It's a very strong, firm political and safety intention of this council."

The Liberal Democrat administration says it is part of their ambition to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries, while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all by 2050, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.