The chairman of Stoke-on-Tern Parish Council has welcomed a decision this week to introduce a 30mph speed limit in Stoke Heath.
Councillor Pete Waters said Shropshire Council’s move to create the speed limit on Rosehill Road was “good news” for residents and children at Stoke-on-Tern Primary School.
Members of the council’s planning committee unanimously supported the move at a meeting on Tuesday, despite West Mercia Police objections over its enforcement.
Councillor Waters said: “We’ve been working for quite some time to reduce speeding in the parish because it’s getting worse.
“It’s been on the agenda for five years and we’ve just been whittling away at it, but now it’s come to fruition.
“This is good news for the people that live down Rosehill Road and for the school.
“I just hope that the people travelling through our parish observe the speed limit when it’s put in.”
In a letter to Shropshire Council in September, police traffic management advisor Brian Williams said motorists were unlikely to abide by the new speed restriction without traffic calming measures being put in place.
But councillors backed the move after a report from traffic and highway engineering manager Hugh Dannatt said the 30mph limit would reduce “the likelihood and severity” of accidents.
The report said: “The proposed reduction in the speed limit would assist local residents and schoolchildren who have to cross the road to enter the school.
“Quality of life for residents will improve due to slower vehicle speeds and reduced noise pollution.
“A reduced speed limit will also enhance road safety for pedestrian and cyclists.”
The speed limit is set to be introduced early next year and councillors have asked for a report to be published in 12 months’ time to monitor its effectiveness.
Mr Williams said: “Obviously it’s a matter for the council as to whether they take up our comments and if they want to impose the speed limit, that’s their decision.
“The Chief Constable wants to support Stoke Heath residents in their wish to see a reduced speed limit in the area.
“But the council is not providing the traffic calming measures to ensure that the limit is reasonably complied with every day and every hour of the day, as per the Department of Transport’s guidelines on speed limits nationally.
“That’s our concern and it’s a genuine one.”
