20mph speed limits across city to be reviewed

More roads across Coventry could see new 20mph speed limits introduced.

There are already 20mph limits in some parts of the city, including a traffic-calming scheme on a section of Radford Road, where speed humps, splitter islands, and extra double yellow lines were approved in April.

New 20mph zones were also agreed in Bush Close, Jardine Crescent, Loder Close and Shepherd Close, because of local primary schools.

The council said it would now consider a wide-ranging policy of where such speed restrictions could be implemented across the city, rather than the current case-by-case approach.

At a recent meeting, councillor Patricia Hetherton considered a plea by Eastern Green residents for road and footpath improvements, after people living on a new housing development being built said they could not safely walk their children to school.

A 30mph limit is to be introduced on Pickford Green Lane, where residents have to risk walking along the side of the carriageway or use rural rights of way to trek across fields, as there is no pavement.

She asked the meeting if the new speed limit could be reduced even further, to 20mph.

"Once the development is complete, we've got 2,000 homes, it might be we have 3,000 vehicles on the road, that's the way things are these days," she said.

Officers agreed the road was a good candidate for a lower speed as there were schools and shops nearby, with a general look of more 20mph zones in Coventry under consideration.

David Keaney, head of network management at the council, said "I'm really pleased that we've been able to commission a review of the use of 20mph limits across the city.

"We will be bringing a report on that subject... later this year, which will set out a principle of how we utilise 20mph limits in a measured and appropriate manner across the city, where we can generate the best value for residents in terms of the road safety enhancements we all strive for."

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations.

Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.