By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
Shire Hall bosses will consider calls for a lower speed limit and new pedestrian crossings on the A40 in Cheltenham amid plans for a new McDonald’s.
The former TGI Fridays at 374 Gloucester Road is being turned into a McDonald’s sparking serious concerns over road safety.
Cheltenham Borough Councillor Richard Pinegar (LD, St Marks) has called on Gloucestershire County Council to consider lowering the speed limit through the “tightly packed” residential area on the A40.
“This permission is for a McDonald’s restaurant to the west side of the Gloucester Road lights in St Marks, the side with no marked crossing,” he said in a question present at Shire Hall this week.
“In light of this change of use, it is incumbent on us to improve crossing safety to the new McDonald’s at 374 Gloucester Road as children cross at the blind bend on Gloucester Road.
“Will the member agree to request a traffic regulation order to lower the speed limit from 40 mph to 30 mph between A40 Benhall Roundabout and A40 Gloucester Road/Sherbourne Road?”
He said this change would enhance the lives of the near 400 residents in Australia House, Monks Croft, Wasley Road and Benhall Gardens by lowering noise levels.
He also said it would improve safety on the narrow pavement beside the bus lane for parents of small children using this route.
“[It will] reduce collisions at the Tennyson Road junction where there have been 15 collisions in the last five years.”
Fire, community safety and libraries cabinet member Dave Norman (C, Grange and Kingsway) said he will ask officers to investigate the suggestion of a pedestrian crossing and provide a response.
He said the council views safe accessibility as essential.
“I will ask officers to investigate this and provide a response,” he said.
“Safer speeds are a key element of our safe systems approach to reducing the number of killed and seriously injured casualties in the county.
“Next year we will be reviewing the speed limit between Benhall roundabout and Montpellier and will consider the appropriateness of implementing a 30mph limit.
“Tennyson Road junction is on our 2024/25 road traffic collision hotspot list and officers are therefore currently designing proposals to improve road safety at this location.
“These will be consulted on once developed with a view to undertake any works next financial year.”
Residents are concerned the new fast food restaurant will increase traffic and congestion issues in the area, as already experienced at the Kingsditch site during key mealtimes.
The Borough Council has approved a planning application for the change of use on the building.
But planners are still considering other applications for work to be carried out on the site.