By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
Speed limits along a notorious Forest of Dean A-road could soon be reduced after years of concerns.
There have been two serious and one slight road traffic collisions as well numerous reports of near-misses on the roads around the A48 Nibley crossroads in the past five years.
And now Gloucestershire Highways is planning to reduce the speed from 70mph to 40mph at the A48 crossroads with Viney Hill Road and Etloe Road.
The speed limit will also be reduced from 40mph to 30mph on the stretch near the Cock Inn into Blakeney.
Green Party Councillor Beki Hoyland (Blakeney) said she has been working with Awre Parish Council to reduce the speed limit at the junction since being elected in 2021.
“At present the speed limit is set as the national speed limit which, as it is a dual carriageway, is 70mph,” she said.
“I know many people are concerned about the speed of cars coming over the brow as they try to turn left and right under the blind summit.
“So I am delighted that we now have a consultation out that proposes a 40mph over the summit and a reduction to 30mph from the Cock Inn into the village so that those that live and walk there can do so more safely and that the houses that have to pull on and off the road along that stretch can do so feeling more secure.
“Please respond to the public consultation before November 13, 2026.”
Liberal Democrat Councillor Roger Whyborn (Benhall and Up Hatherley), who is the cabinet member seponsible for road safety, said: “The county council is always concerned where there are numbers of collisions and injuries and we look to take steps to reduce that as much as we can.
“Before we introduce the lower speed limits we are consulting with the public and want to understand what people have to say about it.”
Residents can find out more about the proposals and respond to the consultation on Gloucestershire Highways’ website.