Gloucestershire Community 20s: Lib Dem Safer Roads Scheme Launched

Lib Dem Administration Launches 20 mph "Community 20s" Safer Roads Programme

In a major milestone for community safety, the Liberal Democrat administration at Gloucestershire County Council has officially announced the first wave of towns and villages set to benefit from the landmark Safer Roads and Community 20s Programme.

This initiative delivers directly on our commitment to make local streets safer, quieter, and healthier for residents, school children, pedestrians, and cyclists across Gloucestershire.

What is the Community 20s Programme?

The Community 20s scheme empowers local communities to introduce 20 mph speed limits in residential areas, town centres, and near schools where lower speeds save lives.

By replacing high-speed thoroughfares with calmer residential streets, the Lib Dem-led programme focuses on:

• Protecting Pedestrians & Cyclists: Reducing vehicle speeds dramatically lowers the risk and severity of road accidents.
• Safer School Runs: Creating safer walking and wheeling environments outside schools and village centres.
• Cleaner, Quieter Neighborhoods: Encouraging active travel while cutting traffic noise and local emissions.

First Forest of Dean Community20s Announced

Following extensive local consultation and technical assessments, the initial tranche of communities participating in the scheme includes residential zones and town centres across the county. Each area will see tailored traffic-calming measures, clear signage, and reduced speed limits designed in close partnership with parish councils and local residents.

The initial Forest of Dean communities are:

·       Cinderford, Ruspidge and Soudley, and Littledean  

·       West Dean

·       Coleford 

"Making our roads safer is one of the highest priorities raised by residents on the doorstep. This Lib Dem initiative puts local communities in the driving seat, giving them the tools to slow down traffic and protect vulnerable road users." — Forest of Dean Lib Dem Campaign Team

Next Steps for Local Wards

Work on installing signage and initial speed management measures for the first community cohort will roll out over the coming months.

As the programme expands in future phases, Liberal Democrat councillors will continue working with residents across the Forest of Dean—including Newent, Coleford, Cinderford, and Lydney—to identify priority roads for future 20 mph zones.

Cllr Gill Moseley has strongly supported 20 mph limits when they have been debated at both District and County level.  Immediately after her election to the County Council, her suggestion of a motion to support 20 mph limits was readily supported by the 27-strong Lib Dem Group and passed in June '21. The FoDDC passed a motion in support in December '21 and now the Lib Dems are in charge at GCC, they are making it a priority as a manifesto pledge.