Tetbury20: Discussions over a new 20mph speed limit

Tetbury20's Plenty are pushing to have the speed limit reduced from 30mph down to 20 in the town

A campaign group has spent the past month canvassing opinion on whether a 20mph speed limit should be introduced in Gloucestershire.

The historic town of Tetbury is dealing with the modern day problem of heavy and sometimes speeding traffic.

Tetbury20 is pushing to have the speed limit reduced from 30mph in the town.

However, some local residents have voiced concerns about the impact a speed reduction could have on tourism.

Tetbury Council has been approached for comment.

Tetbury20 campaigner Anthony Lodge said the majority of residents supported the introduction of a 20mph zone.

"As it gets towards evening time vehicles really speed up and down here. In fact only a year ago a man was knocked off a ladder and killed in the high street.

"I've worked out a figure that, to cross Tetbury 20mph versus 30mph, only takes 90 seconds longer yet that might save a life. Surely that's worth it", he added.

'Better place'

Tetbury 20's Plenty is a group of more than30 residents who believe the introduction of a 20mph speed limit within the residential areas of Tetbury will make the town a better place to live.

In the past month, the group has run a consultation to capture residents' views about the proposed speed limit.

They argued it would lower the risk of fatal accidents to adults and children, produce quieter roads and improve air quality.

One resident told BBC Gloucestershire from a safety point it was the right thing to do.

"I don't think there's a reason for people to be travelling more than 20mph through the high street."

People joined marches in Wales to protest against the new 20mph policy

However, not everyone is in favour of the speed reduction in Tetbury. Those who are against it have pointed to a similar case in Wales to highlight reasons to resist it.

Last September, Wales introduced a 20mph limit in built-up areas.

It has proved controversial, leading to the largest petition in opposition in the history of the Welsh Parliament.

Former Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford said at the time: "Behind this decision lies... the lives of people who would otherwise be caught up in the road traffic accidents which will not happen when people are travelling at 20mph but do happen when people are travelling at 30."

Despite the controversy in Wales, the Tetbury20's Plenty campaign group is hopeful the new limit might be a reality by next year.