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Views sought on plans to make Cheltenham’s roads safer

Published
Gloucestershire County Council is asking people to have their say on proposals to improve road safety and support healthier communities in Cheltenham.

The plans form part of the council’s Safer Roads and Community 20s programme and cover Cheltenham and surrounding areas, including Swindon Village, Leckhampton with Warden Hill, Prestbury, Charlton Kings and Up Hatherley.

The proposals focus on reducing vehicle speeds in areas where people are most at risk, based on local insight and detailed evidence. Many residential streets could become 20mph, particularly where people live, shop and travel locally, while some key routes would see changes to improve safety while keeping traffic moving. In places where current speeds, road collisions and other factors suggest that the existing speed limit is appropriate, then there will be no changes to the speed restriction.

The scheme is being brought forward alongside a separate Cheltenham Town Centre Road Safety Scheme. This includes improvements at eight key junctions, such as upgraded pedestrian crossings, changes to junction layouts and measures to support safer cycling.

Together, the proposals aim to reduce the likelihood and severity of road traffic collisions, while making it easier and safer for people to walk, wheel and cycle. They are also expected to support better public health and create a more attractive and welcoming town.

Over the past five years, there have been 790 road casualties in and around Cheltenham, with 25 per cent resulting in death or serious injury. Most collisions happened on roads where people live and carry out everyday journeys, highlighting the need for safer speeds in these areas.

People can view the proposals and share their feedback using an interactive map and online survey. For more information and to share your views, please see: Cheltenham Speed and Road Safety Improvements | Have Your Say Gloucestershire

The engagement period will close at midnight on Friday 19 June.

Local events and an online webinar will also be held to give residents the chance to speak directly with the project team.

In-person pop-up events will be held as follows:

  • Cheltenham High Street (Outside the Cornish Bakery), Wednesday 3 June 10am-6pm
  • Montpellier Gardens, Montpellier Spa Rd, Cheltenham GL50 1UL, Wednesday 10 June, 10-6pm

And an online webinar will be held on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday 9 June, 6-7.30pm. To register, please follow this link: https://forms.office.com/e/70nW53L3zG

If there is community support, a formal consultation on Traffic Orders is expected to take place in autumn 2026.

Cllr Roger Whyborn, cabinet member for sustainable transport and road safety at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “Keeping people safe on our roads is one of our top priorities. These proposals are about reducing speeds where it matters most, helping to prevent serious injuries and saving lives.

“We want to hear from residents, businesses and communities so we can shape plans that reflect local needs. By working together, we can create safer streets that support healthier, more active lifestyles and make Cheltenham an even better place to live, work and visit.”