The 40mph speed limit has been introduced on the A303 at Chicklade. Picture: National Highways

A303 speed limit reduced to improve safety for Wiltshire villagers

Paul JonesJanuary 30, 20240 Comment0

THE speed limit on a section of the A303 has been reduced in a bid to make the route safer.

National Highways, working with Wiltshire Police and Wiltshire Council, has identified safety issues with residents’ access onto the single carriageway section of the road at Chicklade.

As a result, the speed limit has been reduced from 50mph to 40mph as part of an ongoing trial.

National Highways has introduced a permanent speed reduction order and installed new signage and road markings, with new road studs and vehicle-activated signage to be installed in the near future.

Chris Hilldrup, National Highways’ A303 route manager, said: “Safety is the first priority for National Highways, and we constantly monitor the safety performance of all our roads, including the A303.

“Given the longstanding severance and access issues for the village, evidenced by an increase in incidents recently, we have engaged with Tim Pollard, the parish chair, and residents, and took the decision to reduce the speed limit initially.

“This will be enforceable, and we will conduct further monitoring in the meantime.

“This study will consider all aspects of road safety for both users of the A303 and the local community and, continuing to work with our local authority partners, data will help to inform evidence for any potential future measures.”

The new speed limit is now enforceable, and Perry Payne, from the Wiltshire and Swindon Road Safety Partnership, said: “This is a really good result from partners listening to communities, reacting and continuously working together to make our roads safer.

“Road Safety is a high priority for the Police and Crime Commissioner and the chief constable, and of course Wiltshire Police will continue to provide future enforcement support should it be necessary.”

Cllr Caroline Thomas, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for transport, said: “We were pleased to work with both National Highways and Wiltshire Police on this project in Chicklade.

“I would like to thank National Highways for reducing the speed limit and making access on to the A303 safer for both local residents and visitors.

“Road safety is a key part of our Business Plan, and we will continue to work with our partners to continue to make Wiltshire’s roads safer.”