Coventry blanket 20mph zone approved by councillors

One supporter said he hoped the blanket 20mph zone would slow traffic down and encourage cycling

A new blanket 20mph zone in the Earlsdon area of Coventry has been given final approval by the city council.

The council said work on the "liveable neighbourhood" scheme would start next month.

It includes measures such as new no-entry roads, wider pavements, and extra pedestrian crossings.

The scheme was signed off by the councillor in charge of road safety, despite some opposition.

Patricia Hetherton, the cabinet member for city services, said she would listen to the concerns raised by residents.

"I know it doesn't please everybody, but if it saves one life then it'll be worth it," she said.

A public consultation on the initial plans started in 2022 and the design was changed after residents were asked to comment on the scheme again last year.

Further changes have been made this year after the council received 55 objections in another round of consultations.

The council dropped proposals for a no-entry and parking restrictions on Warwick Street

Council officers recommended approval, but with some parts dropped from the final scheme, including a no-entry and changes to parking restrictions on Warwick Street.

Ms Hetherton accepted the recommendations at a council meeting on Wednesday.

The council said it expected work on the scheme to be completed by the "end of school summer holidays in August".

Supporters say the scheme will save lives and cut pollution.

One Earlsdon resident, Barry King, said he hoped the blanket 20mph zone would slow traffic down and encourage cycling.

"When I first heard of the scheme I thought this would never go forward, but it has and I'm very glad," he said.

But critics say blanket 20mph zones are unnecessary and make life harder for motorists.

Richard Overton said he was "disappointed a decision has been taken before we've seen any evidence, especially on road traffic usage or air quality".

But he said he was encouraged the council had promised to review the scheme if it proved to be ineffective.