Cheltenham’s Church Road, a vital artery in the Leckhampton area, is under scrutiny following mounting concerns from residents about road safety. Weekly near-miss accidents have raised alarm bells among locals, especially parents, who are calling for urgent action including the installation of a pedestrian crossing.
With numerous new housing developments crammed into a small area, Church Road has become a notorious bottleneck. The street now serves as a key cut-through for commuters dealing with nearby roadworks and ongoing construction, intensifying traffic congestion.
Residents report rising dangers for the many schoolchildren navigating this busy street. Secondary school students on bikes, vulnerable amidst escalating traffic, are often forced onto pavements due to safety concerns. In response, over 1,100 people signed a petition demanding a zebra crossing to enhance pedestrian safety, backed by local councillor Martin Horwood’s active campaign efforts.
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Air quality has also become a pressing issue. A nearby primary school has installed air pollution monitors, which have recorded concerning spikes during rush hours. The school is encouraging parents to avoid driving when possible or to park further away to alleviate both pollution and traffic problems.
Gloucestershire County Council has acknowledged these concerns. Officials have conducted thorough observations of traffic, cyclists, and pedestrians in the area. Though no personal injury collisions have been recorded in the past five years, the council recognizes that crossing Church Road remains hazardous for children, the elderly, and those with disabilities.
The council’s spokesperson emphasized: “The safety of children travelling to school is of paramount importance. Our Thinktravel team collaborates with schools to promote safer travel.” They added that the findings from the ongoing investigation will be reviewed with local councillors to explore potential funding and next steps to improve safety along Church Road.