Westbury Town Council to explore 20mph zone for town centre

A 20mph speed limit in Westbury town centre is being considered by the town council with the aim to enhance road safety, reduce pollution and create a more pedestrian-friendly environment.  

The proposal, still in its exploratory stages, reflects growing concerns among residents and local businesses over the speed of traffic. 

The issue was discussed at a meeting of the council’s highways, planning and development committee last week when councillors backed the idea. 

After the meeting, Cllr Phil Harcourt told White Horse News, “We’ve had people asking for pedestrian crossings both outside of the Laverton and in Edward Street near Morrisons and the idea for a 20mph zone came from there. 

“The plan would be to include the whole of the town centre including the Market Place, Maristow Street (although you’ll be lucky to get anywhere near 20mph there), up Edward Street, the High Street and from the top of Haynes Road along Bratton Road to beyond the narrow section. 

“It would reduce the speed of vehicles coming up the road to the Laverton, stop people racing to get to the narrow one-way section in Bratton Road and slow down the cars in Edward Street outside the Morrisons supermarket.  

“There’s already a 20mph limit in Alfred Street so why not the rest of the town centre? 

“In an ideal world, we could look at the A350 but I believe that may be a problem because it is a major through route, although I think there would be a lot of public support to slow traffic through the town.” 

Mayor Jane Russ said, “A 20mph zone would slow traffic down and significantly improve safety for pedestrians. The aim is to make Westbury a place where people can feel safe walking and cycling and driving. Exploring a 20mph zone is just one step in our ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors to the town.” 

The proposal will be sent to Wiltshire Council’s Local Highway and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG) for the Westbury Area for consideration and if it gains support there, would then come back for discussion by Westbury’s full town council.