The phased introduction of 20mph speed zones across Gloucestershire has been widely condemned as a “disaster,” with just around 40 of the county’s 400 villages and communities set to benefit, while the volunteer-led Community Speed Watch initiative faces termination.
Opposition councillors voiced strong concerns during a recent meeting with Gloucestershire County Council leaders overseeing the Safer Roads and Community 20s scheme. The most troubling revelation was that funding for the Community Speed Watch program—where volunteers monitor and record vehicle speeds using specialized equipment—would be discontinued.
Stephen Davies, former leader of Shire Hall and Conservative councillor for Hardwicke and Severn, challenged his Liberal Democrat successor’s claim that the rollout is a success. Davies pointed out that his administration refrained from proposing a county-wide 20mph limit due to the legal complexities involved with traffic regulation orders (TROs). These statutory documents govern changes to road infrastructure, including speed limits, but the process is notoriously slow and expensive.
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Davies stated, “Around 400 parishes showed interest in 20mph limits. Yet, only about 40 will see implementation within the next two to three years across three planned phases. With the Community Speed Watch program ending, those left out have no recourse. This is far from a successful policy—it’s a disaster.”
Council leader Lisa Spivey (Liberal Democrats, South Cerney) acknowledged that the scheme is not a blanket rollout but emphasized the challenges of instant implementation. She defended the program, highlighting the previous Conservative administration’s decade-long reluctance to adopt 20mph zones.
Spivey said, “I believe in honest communication—this isn’t happening everywhere all at once. But after years of inaction, I’m proud we prioritized and began to introduce 20mph limits following motions like the one inspired by the Stockholm Convention in 2021.”
Spivey also mentioned that funding for future phases of the scheme would be considered in the council’s upcoming budget discussions.
Ray Donaghue, Reform UK councillor for Cinderford, criticized the decision to end the Community Speed Watch program. With around five active volunteers and more awaiting training in his town, Donaghue emphasized that the program fosters valuable public engagement on speed management without changing speed limits.
“It is disappointing,” he said. “We need more public involvement, not less.”
In response, Roger Whyborn, Liberal Democrat cabinet member for road safety, confirmed the community speed watch would stop as originally planned, with no additional funding available. He explained, “It was never meant to continue indefinitely. We cannot fund everything simultaneously.”
Despite these limitations, Whyborn added that the current budgeted 20mph zones should eventually cover more than half of Gloucestershire’s population.