Under the new leadership of Gloucestershire County Council’s Liberal Democrat head Lisa Spivey, immediate action is underway to improve the county’s roads, care system, and overall appearance. During the council meeting on May 21, Cllr Spivey outlined three key priorities that reflect the clear call from residents for swift and meaningful change—one of which is the consultation on lowering speed limits in towns and villages to enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
Residents have long been frustrated with highways cluttered by abandoned road signs and cones left after works. Addressing this, Cllr Spivey announced the formation of a dedicated team tasked with cleaning up these signs and restoring pride to Gloucestershire’s public spaces. “From today, we will launch a county-wide operation to remove leftover road signs from our verges,” she said. “It’s time to make Gloucestershire look its best.”
The council is also committed to improving care for vulnerable children. Many young residents currently placed in out-of-county care will be supported to return home, with renewed efforts to increase fostering opportunities and open more children’s homes within Gloucestershire. “Our goal is to ensure children receive care close to their communities,” Spivey emphasized.
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Finally, road safety is a top concern. The council plans to work closely with town and parish councils to explore reducing speed limits where there is local backing. This initiative aims to create safer environments for cyclists, pedestrians, and all road users throughout Gloucestershire’s towns and villages.
Cllr Spivey acknowledged the challenges ahead but expressed a commitment to transparency and constructive dialogue with the public and council members alike. “We face difficult decisions, but by working together respectfully and with kindness, we can make positive changes for our county and its residents,” she said.
The council now invites communities to share their views on lowering speed limits in their areas as the consultation process begins.