Concerns are mounting among residents of Cinderford in Gloucestershire regarding the current speed bumps on the lower High Street near the community hospital. Locals report that the design of these traffic calming measures may be prompting reckless driving, with accidents and near-misses increasingly frequent.
Reform UK councillor Ray Donaghue, representing Cinderford, highlighted that around 55,000 vehicles use this stretch weekly. He stated that while official records since 2024 report no injuries, the reality seems different. Drivers have been observed weaving to avoid the speed cushions or braking erratically, behaviours which may raise road safety risks rather than diminishing them.
“While these speed cushions technically pass official safety measures, the reality on the ground tells a completely different story,” Councillor Donaghue remarked. “We are seeing repeated accidents and near-misses because the design seems to encourage unpredictable driver behaviour.”
READ MORE: Gloucester Rugby Unveils Full Fixture List for 2026/27 Premiership Season
READ MORE: Update on Cheltenham Municipal Offices Sale and Future Plans
Mr Donaghue expressed concern that budget constraints might delay necessary redesigns until serious accidents occur, calling for urgent reassessment of the measures.
Lee Baldwin, part of the Cinderford High Street Action Group, echoed these concerns, describing the situation as “appalling” and worsening. He pointed out that originally a roundabout had been proposed outside the hospital, but instead, speed humps were installed along the entire lower High Street.
Mr Baldwin explained that some drivers accelerate over the humps to lessen their impact, while others dangerously swerve into the opposite lane to avoid them, causing multiple accidents. He emphasised the urgency for council intervention before a serious incident takes place.
Liberal Democrat councillor Roger Whyborn, responsible for road safety, responded by acknowledging residents' concerns and emphasised that road safety remains a top priority. He confirmed that the scheme was designed and approved through the standard planning and technical approval processes, supported by independent road safety audits.
Councillor Whyborn clarified that the measures were not selected based on cost, but on safety standards and maintenance considerations. While some speed cushions required remedial work after installation, the developer has been addressing these issues continuously.
He added that monitoring indicates a reduction in vehicle speeds, aligning more closely with the 30mph limit, and that there have been no recorded injury collisions at this location since 2024. The council will keep reviewing new evidence and ensure maintenance issues are resolved to maintain road safety.
The situation remains under careful observation as residents and officials seek a balance between effective traffic calming and safe, predictable driving behaviour on this busy stretch of road.