A 20mph speed limit could be introduced on Melksham’s roads if a plan from local councillors gets the green light.
The news follows concerns about the speed of cars travelling through the town centre and on residential estates.
“It’s long been an ambition of mine to have a 20mph limit on residential roads in Melksham,” said mayor, cllr Jon Hubbard.
“Following a recent meeting discussing the draft Wiltshire Council Climate Strategy, we’re planning to bring a proposal to the town council in the coming weeks, hopefully this side of Christmas.
“It is Wiltshire Council who make the decision about speed limits, but hopefully it’s something they will support.
“We are looking at all options for where the 20mph limits could be, it could be just estate streets or as comprehensive as every road within the town limits. These are details we need to talk through with officers from Wiltshire Council and confirm before bringing forward proposals.
“A 20mph speed limit will make Melksham a safer place to live in, encourage people to walk or cycle more and help reduce emissions of CO2 and air pollution. Evidence shows that 20mph limits typically reduce casualties by 20%, reduce CO2 emissions by 26% and NOx by 28% compared with 30mph limits and are 50% quieter.
“It has worked well in many towns and cities and I believe this is the way forward for Melksham.”
A 20mph limit has already been introduced in some parts of Melksham including Coronation Road and Kenilworth Garden / Warwick Crescent estates which followed campaigns by councillor Hubbard and local residents.
