The introduction of 20mph speed zones across Gloucestershire has been labeled a “disaster” by opposition councillors, as only about 40 of the county’s 400 villages and communities are set to benefit in the next two to three years. Meanwhile, the volunteer-led community speed watch program, which helped monitor speeding through recorded vehicle speeds, is being quietly discontinued.
During a recent Gloucestershire County Council meeting focused on the safer roads and community 20s initiative, councillors expressed serious concerns about the program’s limited reach and the ending of the community speed watch.
Former council leader Stephen Davies (Conservative, Hardwicke and Severn) questioned the Liberal Democrat administration’s claims of success, pointing out that only a fraction of interested parishes would see any 20mph zones after three rollout phases. Davies also highlighted the challenges posed by Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs)—legal processes required to change road regulations such as speed limits—which are both costly and time-consuming.
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Davies said, “Out of roughly 400 parishes, only about 40 will see a 20mph limit implemented within the next two or three years. Those outside this program have no recourse now that community speed watch is ending. I don’t see this as successful—it’s a disaster.”
Council leader Lisa Spivey (Liberal Democrat, South Cerney) acknowledged that the rollout would not cover every community immediately and recognized the disappointment this causes. However, she criticized the previous Conservative administration for a decade of inaction on 20mph limits and emphasized the current administration’s commitment to making it a priority.
Spivey stated, “I’ve always been clear this wouldn’t be a blanket scheme right away. When I started as a councillor in 2021, we acted quickly on the Stockholm Convention and prioritized 20mph zones. I’m proud we initiated this and are now beginning the rollout.”
The council plans to review and allocate future funding for the scheme during the next budget cycle.
Concerns were also raised about the cessation of the community speed watch program. Reform UK Councillor Ray Donaghue from Cinderford highlighted the enthusiasm among volunteers in his town and argued that the program is an effective way for the public to engage in speed awareness without necessarily lowering speed limits.
“It’s disappointing to lose this community engagement tool when we should be encouraging more public involvement,” Donaghue said.
In response, Councillor Roger Whyborn (Liberal Democrat, Benhall and Up Hatherley), who oversees road safety, confirmed the program’s end. He explained that the community speed watch was never intended to run indefinitely and that no additional funding is planned.
“Unfortunately, we cannot do everything at once,” Whyborn said, adding that the planned 20mph zones are expected to cover more than half of the county’s population.