Over 100 local residents have joined forces to call for a reduction in the speed limit on the A436, a busy route running through the Cotswolds, following two tragic fatalities this year. The road connects Bourton-on-the-Water with the A40 at Andoversford and has long been a concern for safety-conscious residents due to frequent accidents.
County Councillor Paul Hodgkinson (LD, Bourton-on-the-Water and Northleach) presented a petition to Gloucestershire County Council last month urging a lower speed limit to enhance safety along this stretch. Speaking at the Shire Hall meeting, Hodgkinson highlighted the road’s heavy usage, especially by tourists traveling between Bourton-on-the-Water and Andoversford.
“It’s a key route that has seen a history of accidents, and sadly, there have been fatalities this year,” Hodgkinson stated. “Currently, the speed limits range from 50mph to 60mph, but residents are asking for a reduction to help protect the community and visitors alike.”
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The petition was handed to Roger Whyborn (LD, Benhall and Up Hatherley), cabinet member for sustainable transport and strategic highways, who acknowledged the seriousness of the issue. “We are very concerned about the recent fatalities on the A436. Any decision on speed limit reductions will be made following a thorough assessment,” he commented. “Lowering the limit across the entire road is a possibility we are not ruling out.”
In May, a woman lost her life in a two-vehicle collision between Andoversford and Bourton-on-the-Water. Then, in October, a man died after his vehicle left the road and collided with a tree near Hawling. Adding to the challenges, last year’s Storm Darragh forced temporary closure of part of the A436 after it brought down around 30 trees.
With increasing safety concerns, residents and officials hope that revised speed limits and improved safety measures will reduce accidents and protect all who travel this vital route.