Swindon has reduced speed limits on some roads to 20mph (Image: Matthew Horwood/Getty Images)
A move to cut the speed limit to 20mph on a series of roads in Swindon has divided opinion in the Wiltshire city. Some locals in Haydon Wick had called for the cut amid concerns drivers were speeding through the north Swindon neighbourhood.
Local media reports that residents living in other roads in the area have seen their 30mph limit slashed in recent months. 21 roads in the suburb look set to have speed limits lowered after more than 100 people signed a petition calling for such a move.
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Concerns were raised about speeding in North Swindon. (Image: Getty)
A “positive” public consultation on the safety measure led to the plan getting a thumbs up from the local council, according to the Swindon Advertiser.
Other roads in Sevenhampton and Wichelstowe on the outskirts of Swindon look set to see limits cut to 20mph too.
Local authorities have been introducing 20mph limits across the country, with the trend having grown over recent years. Wales introduced a default 20mph limit in 2023, while councils in London have also cut speed limits on some of their roads.
The measures in Swindon divided opinion online, with some local Facebook users dismissing the cuts as a money-making gimmick while others hailed the safety benefits.
Karen Symmonds posted on the platform: “Swindon Borough Council has gone mad.” To which local, Jakub Sroka, replied: “No, they are in need of the money. Your money.”
Andy Benford said the existing 30mph was “fine” and it was drivers who break the limit who are the problem. He added: “Twenty miles per hour is ridiculous.”
Local resident, Gail Collins, said the reduction won’t work, adding: “We have it in Shaftesbury Avenue and some cars and motorbike race down here at frightening speed.”
Others welcomed the change, including one Swindon Advertiser reader who said: “Well done! Also, average speed cameras must be installed.”
Wendy Tucker said: “It’s made all the difference to our area – I hope it helps this one too.”
Other locals directed their criticism at drivers who speed in the city and surrounding areas.
Their comments came days after Swindon Police revealed that 88 drivers were caught speeding on one local road in less than an hour on January 8.
One driver was caught doing 58mph on a stretch of road subject to a 30mph limit, according to Swindon Police.
The force said that of those caught speeding, 77 would be offered a speed awareness course; nine face fines and points added to their driving licences and two will be summoned to court.
Road Safety Supervisor Sarah Holden said in a statement: “It is quite frankly shocking to see the speed that some of these drivers are reaching in 30mph limit areas. The speed limit is there for a reason – to keep you and those around you safe.”
The force said officers outside St Luke’s School in Cricklade Road caught another driver driving at 54mph in a 30mph speed limit area on December 29.
Swindon Borough Council has insisted its road safety strategy focuses on preventing death and serious injury.
The local authority said 20mph schemes can play an important part in road safety and drivers are likely to respect lower limits.
