Cotswold District Council is calling on Gloucestershire County Council to make 20mph the default speed limit for villages and towns in the area.
The ‘20mph is Plenty’ motion was put forward to Cotswold District Council on 22 September and received unanimous approval from councillors.
Cllr Jenny Forde, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, says the lower limit is ‘overwhelmingly supported’ by residents and has the full backing of the Cotswold Community Safety Partnership.
The council adds the move will improve road safety in areas where vulnerable road users and vehicles mix.
Cllr Forde said: “I can’t help thinking that our children will be in disbelief when they look back at our love of cars and driving fast whenever and wherever we like. Much like not wearing seat belts, drink driving and smoking in public places.
“Looking back at all of these things, it seems incredible now that we ever thought this was acceptable.
“The simple fact is that if you hit a pedestrian – they have a much greater chance of surviving if your speed is lower. The risk of a fatal injury when hitting a pedestrian at 40mph is 90% and reduces to 2.5% when driving at 20mph.
“Approximately two-thirds of all crashes in which people are killed or injured happen on roads with a speed limit of 30mph. This is a serious problem across the country and we want to ensure our district is as safe as it can be for all of our residents and visitors alike.
“That’s why we are calling on Gloucestershire County Council to consult the county’s district councils, parish councils and communities to identify all the roads which should adopt a 20mph speed limit no later than 30 April 2025.”
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