Cheltenham Speed and Road Safety Improvements

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Cheltenham Speed and Road Safety Schemes

Get involved and have your say  

We are seeking your views on our proposals for speed reductions and road safety improvements in Cheltenham.  

If you would like to comment on our proposals, please use the interactive map. 

To provide more detailed comments on specific aspects of the proposals, please complete the survey. 

The survey and mapping tool will close at midnight on Friday 19th June.  

If you would like to discuss the proposals with the project team, you can attend one of the following events:  

Event name  

Location  

Date  

Time 

In-person pop-up event  

Cheltenham High Street (Outside the Cornish Bakery)

Wednesday 3rd June

10am-6pm

Online webinar 

Microsoft Teams (Please register via this (link)

Tuesday 9th June 

6-7:30pm  

In-person pop-up event  

Montpellier Gardens, Montpellier Spa Rd, Cheltenham GL50 1UL

Wednesday 10th June  

10am-6pm 

 

Once you have registered for the webinar, a link to the event will be shared with you through email, by mid-day on the day of the event.

If you or anyone you know are unable to share your feedback via the online channels, copies of our engagement materials and a hardcopy survey can be found at Gloucestershire County Council’s municipal offices in Cheltenham (Saint Georges Rd, Cheltenham, GL50 3EW). These materials will also be available at our events.  

About Speed and Road Safety improvements in Cheltenham

Gloucestershire County Council are sharing proposals for the delivery of the Safer Roads and Community 20s initiative, in the borough of Cheltenham including the parishes of

  • Swindon Village

  • Leckhampton with Warden Hill

  • Prestbury

  • Charlton Kings

  • Up Hatherley

The proposals aim to improve road safety and public health by reducing vehicle speeds where people are most at risk. 

These proposals are being brought forward with the Cheltenham Town Centre Road Safety Scheme, which focuses on reducing casualties and improving safety in and around the town centre through targeted improvements at eight junctions with higher-than-average casualties.  

While the primary aim of both schemes is to reduce the likelihood and severity of collisions, they are also expected to deliver wider benefits. Safer, more consistent speeds and improved crossing facilities can:

  • Support walking and cycling for everyday journeys

  • Contribute to better public health outcomes

  • Help create a more attractive, accessible and welcoming town for residents, visitors and local businesses. 

Safer Roads and Community 20s – Cheltenham proposals  

Cheltenham and its surrounding villages are being brought forward in the first tranche of proposed locations within the Safer Roads and Community 20s initiative, because they scored highly in the prioritisation exercise. This exercise considered local road safety and public health challenges, as well as expressions of interest from local authority representatives. Cheltenham Borough Council, Up Hatherley Parish Council, Charlton Kings Parish Council, and Presbury Parish Council submitted expressions of interest for the delivery of the initiative.

In Cheltenham, the Safer Roads and Community 20s proposals introduce a revised and more consistent speed limit framework across the town and surrounding villages. Many urban and residential streets are proposed to become 20mph, particularly where people live, shop, travel locally, and socialise.  


At the same time, reductions to higher speed limits are being proposed for key routes, with the aim of improving safety whilst maintaining efficient movement across the town. Together, these changes aim to reduce collision risk, improve perceptions of safety, and support more sustainable travel choices. 

In some instances, the proposals look to retain 30mph and 40mph speed limits, where these speed limits are working. 

Specific proposals for roads around Cheltenham can be viewed on the interactive map.  

Cheltenham Town Centre Road Safety Scheme 

The Cheltenham Town Centre Road Safety Scheme focuses on reducing casualties and improving safety in the town centre through targeted, engineered measures at locations with higher‑than‑average casualties.  

These proposed improvements include:  

• Changes to key junctions 

• Reduced waiting times at pedestrian crossings 

• Upgrades to signalised crossings 

• Targeted interventions to address known collision hotspots 


A 20mph speed limit is also proposed in and around the town centre, aligning with the wider Safer Roads and Community 20s programme. These speed reductions are being delivered using existing funding separate to the Safer Roads and Community 20s funding. 

The town centre scheme has been developed using detailed analysis of collision data, vehicle speeds, pedestrian behaviour, and how different road users interact in a busy urban environment. This evidence led approach ensures that measures are proportionate, focused on areas where road users are at greatest risk, and designed to address the root causes of collisions.  


The proposals for Cheltenham Town Centre Road Safety Scheme, centre on eight junctions and a 20mph speed limit on roads in the area shaded blue on this map. They aim to deliver the following improvements:


  • A4019 Tewkesbury Road / Gloucester Road: Introduction of traffic signal updates to improve traffic flow and enhance road safety.

  • Ambrose Street / High Street Mini Roundabout: Introduction of ‘pedestrian crossing ahead’ signs, introduction of a raised pedestrian crossing, and lighting upgrades to existing zebra crossing. Raised pedestrian crossings are places where the road is built up to the same level as the pavement, creating a flat surface for people to walk across, which slows vehicles down and makes it easier and safer for pedestrians to cross.

  • A4019 St Margaret’s Road / Fairview Road: Introduction of left and ahead arrows on the carriageway.

  • Promenade / St George’s Road / Imperial Square: Introduction of cycle symbols and low-level cycle signals on the carriageway, and introduction of countdown timers at signalised pedestrian crossings. Countdown timers are a display feature at controlled crossings that shows pedestrians how many seconds they have left to finish crossing before the signal turns red.

  • A40 Lansdown Road / Montpellier Complex: Introduction of uncontrolled crossing points, and introduction of cycle symbols on the carriageway.

  • A40 Sandford Road / Bath Road: Upgrading the existing uncontrolled crossings to signalised pedestrian crossings, and introduction of cycle advanced stop lines. Cycle advanced stop lines provide a safe waiting space for cyclists at traffic lights, ahead of motor vehicles.

  • Old Bath Road / College Baths Road: Introduction of ‘slow’ markings and cycle symbols on the carriageway.

  • A435 London Road / College Road: Introduction of cycle symbols and low-level cycle signals on the carriageway.

You can view the PDF proposal maps to view the proposals in more detail.  

Why are lower speed limits and road safety improvements needed in Cheltenham?  

Over the past five years, there have been 790 casualties on the roads in and around Cheltenham, highlighting an ongoing need to improve road safety. A significant proportion of these incidents have been severe with 25% of individuals involved being killed or seriously injured. While the remaining 75% sustained injuries that, although classified as slight, still represent harm to individuals and communities.

The data shows that risk is not confined to major routes. Most casualties (58%) occurred on minor roads, which are often residential streets where people live, walk, cycle and access local services. This reinforces the importance of addressing speeds and road design in everyday environments, not just on main roads.

Speed is a key contributing factor. More than three‑quarters of all casualties (77%) occurred on roads with a 30mph speed limit, with very low numbers (2%) on roads with 20mph limits. This suggests that lower speeds are associated with fewer and less severe injuries, particularly in built‑up areas where conflicts between vehicles and people are more likely.

The impact of these collisions on vulnerable road users is of particular focus. Over half of those injured (57%) were pedestrians, cyclists or motorcyclists. These groups are at greater risk of serious injury in collisions and benefit most from lower vehicle speeds and improved road safety measures.

To create safer roads, there is a need to reduce risk where people and traffic mix. Lower vehicle speeds can reduce the severity of collisions and give drivers more time to react. The proposed speed limit changes and targeted engineering measures are designed to help protect vulnerable road users, reduce serious injuries, and make streets feel safer and more welcoming for all road users within Cheltenham.

Next steps 

Following initial engagement, if feedback shows broad support for the Safer Roads and Community 20s initiative within an area, we will launch a formal Traffic Order (TO) and statutory consultation process in Autumn 2026. This consultation will follow our formal TO process, which can be found on our website here. 

During this time, you will be able to submit written representations by email or letter to the addresses on the Notices of Intention and Gloucestershire County Council’s TRO webpage.

After the TO consultation window closes, all representations made are considered by the relevant decision-maker, who will decide one of the following outcomes: 

  • Proceed as proposed

  • Proceed with modification

  • Do not proceed.  

For the Cheltenham Town Centre Road Safety Scheme, the proposed 20mph speed limit changes and the new crossings for Ambrose/High St zebra-crossing, and Sandford Rd/ Bath Rd junction will require a TO consultation. The other road safety improvements do not need a formal TO because of the type of works involved. 

To help both schemes progress smoothly, the TO consultations will be planned to take place around the same time where possible. More information on the timing will be shared later. 

Contact us 

At this stage, we are collecting feedback on an area by areas basis through comments on the interactive map and survey. We will also be collecting feedback at events with hardcopy surveys available at local libraries. We do not expect any detailed feedback through email. However, if you have any difficulties taking part, please email  speedlimits@gloucestershire.gov.uk.

You can sign up to updates on the Safer Roads and Community 20s initiative by registering for our newsletter here. 

Cheltenham Speed and Road Safety Schemes

Get involved and have your say  

We are seeking your views on our proposals for speed reductions and road safety improvements in Cheltenham.  

If you would like to comment on our proposals, please use the interactive map. 

To provide more detailed comments on specific aspects of the proposals, please complete the survey. 

The survey and mapping tool will close at midnight on Friday 19th June.  

If you would like to discuss the proposals with the project team, you can attend one of the following events:  

Event name  

Location  

Date  

Time 

In-person pop-up event  

Cheltenham High Street (Outside the Cornish Bakery)

Wednesday 3rd June

10am-6pm

Online webinar 

Microsoft Teams (Please register via this (link)

Tuesday 9th June 

6-7:30pm  

In-person pop-up event  

Montpellier Gardens, Montpellier Spa Rd, Cheltenham GL50 1UL

Wednesday 10th June  

10am-6pm 

 

Once you have registered for the webinar, a link to the event will be shared with you through email, by mid-day on the day of the event.

If you or anyone you know are unable to share your feedback via the online channels, copies of our engagement materials and a hardcopy survey can be found at Gloucestershire County Council’s municipal offices in Cheltenham (Saint Georges Rd, Cheltenham, GL50 3EW). These materials will also be available at our events.  

About Speed and Road Safety improvements in Cheltenham

Gloucestershire County Council are sharing proposals for the delivery of the Safer Roads and Community 20s initiative, in the borough of Cheltenham including the parishes of

  • Swindon Village

  • Leckhampton with Warden Hill

  • Prestbury

  • Charlton Kings

  • Up Hatherley

The proposals aim to improve road safety and public health by reducing vehicle speeds where people are most at risk. 

These proposals are being brought forward with the Cheltenham Town Centre Road Safety Scheme, which focuses on reducing casualties and improving safety in and around the town centre through targeted improvements at eight junctions with higher-than-average casualties.  

While the primary aim of both schemes is to reduce the likelihood and severity of collisions, they are also expected to deliver wider benefits. Safer, more consistent speeds and improved crossing facilities can:

  • Support walking and cycling for everyday journeys

  • Contribute to better public health outcomes

  • Help create a more attractive, accessible and welcoming town for residents, visitors and local businesses. 

Safer Roads and Community 20s – Cheltenham proposals  

Cheltenham and its surrounding villages are being brought forward in the first tranche of proposed locations within the Safer Roads and Community 20s initiative, because they scored highly in the prioritisation exercise. This exercise considered local road safety and public health challenges, as well as expressions of interest from local authority representatives. Cheltenham Borough Council, Up Hatherley Parish Council, Charlton Kings Parish Council, and Presbury Parish Council submitted expressions of interest for the delivery of the initiative.

In Cheltenham, the Safer Roads and Community 20s proposals introduce a revised and more consistent speed limit framework across the town and surrounding villages. Many urban and residential streets are proposed to become 20mph, particularly where people live, shop, travel locally, and socialise.  


At the same time, reductions to higher speed limits are being proposed for key routes, with the aim of improving safety whilst maintaining efficient movement across the town. Together, these changes aim to reduce collision risk, improve perceptions of safety, and support more sustainable travel choices. 

In some instances, the proposals look to retain 30mph and 40mph speed limits, where these speed limits are working. 

Specific proposals for roads around Cheltenham can be viewed on the interactive map.  

Cheltenham Town Centre Road Safety Scheme 

The Cheltenham Town Centre Road Safety Scheme focuses on reducing casualties and improving safety in the town centre through targeted, engineered measures at locations with higher‑than‑average casualties.  

These proposed improvements include:  

• Changes to key junctions 

• Reduced waiting times at pedestrian crossings 

• Upgrades to signalised crossings 

• Targeted interventions to address known collision hotspots 


A 20mph speed limit is also proposed in and around the town centre, aligning with the wider Safer Roads and Community 20s programme. These speed reductions are being delivered using existing funding separate to the Safer Roads and Community 20s funding. 

The town centre scheme has been developed using detailed analysis of collision data, vehicle speeds, pedestrian behaviour, and how different road users interact in a busy urban environment. This evidence led approach ensures that measures are proportionate, focused on areas where road users are at greatest risk, and designed to address the root causes of collisions.  


The proposals for Cheltenham Town Centre Road Safety Scheme, centre on eight junctions and a 20mph speed limit on roads in the area shaded blue on this map. They aim to deliver the following improvements:


  • A4019 Tewkesbury Road / Gloucester Road: Introduction of traffic signal updates to improve traffic flow and enhance road safety.

  • Ambrose Street / High Street Mini Roundabout: Introduction of ‘pedestrian crossing ahead’ signs, introduction of a raised pedestrian crossing, and lighting upgrades to existing zebra crossing. Raised pedestrian crossings are places where the road is built up to the same level as the pavement, creating a flat surface for people to walk across, which slows vehicles down and makes it easier and safer for pedestrians to cross.

  • A4019 St Margaret’s Road / Fairview Road: Introduction of left and ahead arrows on the carriageway.

  • Promenade / St George’s Road / Imperial Square: Introduction of cycle symbols and low-level cycle signals on the carriageway, and introduction of countdown timers at signalised pedestrian crossings. Countdown timers are a display feature at controlled crossings that shows pedestrians how many seconds they have left to finish crossing before the signal turns red.

  • A40 Lansdown Road / Montpellier Complex: Introduction of uncontrolled crossing points, and introduction of cycle symbols on the carriageway.

  • A40 Sandford Road / Bath Road: Upgrading the existing uncontrolled crossings to signalised pedestrian crossings, and introduction of cycle advanced stop lines. Cycle advanced stop lines provide a safe waiting space for cyclists at traffic lights, ahead of motor vehicles.

  • Old Bath Road / College Baths Road: Introduction of ‘slow’ markings and cycle symbols on the carriageway.

  • A435 London Road / College Road: Introduction of cycle symbols and low-level cycle signals on the carriageway.

You can view the PDF proposal maps to view the proposals in more detail.  

Why are lower speed limits and road safety improvements needed in Cheltenham?  

Over the past five years, there have been 790 casualties on the roads in and around Cheltenham, highlighting an ongoing need to improve road safety. A significant proportion of these incidents have been severe with 25% of individuals involved being killed or seriously injured. While the remaining 75% sustained injuries that, although classified as slight, still represent harm to individuals and communities.

The data shows that risk is not confined to major routes. Most casualties (58%) occurred on minor roads, which are often residential streets where people live, walk, cycle and access local services. This reinforces the importance of addressing speeds and road design in everyday environments, not just on main roads.

Speed is a key contributing factor. More than three‑quarters of all casualties (77%) occurred on roads with a 30mph speed limit, with very low numbers (2%) on roads with 20mph limits. This suggests that lower speeds are associated with fewer and less severe injuries, particularly in built‑up areas where conflicts between vehicles and people are more likely.

The impact of these collisions on vulnerable road users is of particular focus. Over half of those injured (57%) were pedestrians, cyclists or motorcyclists. These groups are at greater risk of serious injury in collisions and benefit most from lower vehicle speeds and improved road safety measures.

To create safer roads, there is a need to reduce risk where people and traffic mix. Lower vehicle speeds can reduce the severity of collisions and give drivers more time to react. The proposed speed limit changes and targeted engineering measures are designed to help protect vulnerable road users, reduce serious injuries, and make streets feel safer and more welcoming for all road users within Cheltenham.

Next steps 

Following initial engagement, if feedback shows broad support for the Safer Roads and Community 20s initiative within an area, we will launch a formal Traffic Order (TO) and statutory consultation process in Autumn 2026. This consultation will follow our formal TO process, which can be found on our website here. 

During this time, you will be able to submit written representations by email or letter to the addresses on the Notices of Intention and Gloucestershire County Council’s TRO webpage.

After the TO consultation window closes, all representations made are considered by the relevant decision-maker, who will decide one of the following outcomes: 

  • Proceed as proposed

  • Proceed with modification

  • Do not proceed.  

For the Cheltenham Town Centre Road Safety Scheme, the proposed 20mph speed limit changes and the new crossings for Ambrose/High St zebra-crossing, and Sandford Rd/ Bath Rd junction will require a TO consultation. The other road safety improvements do not need a formal TO because of the type of works involved. 

To help both schemes progress smoothly, the TO consultations will be planned to take place around the same time where possible. More information on the timing will be shared later. 

Contact us 

At this stage, we are collecting feedback on an area by areas basis through comments on the interactive map and survey. We will also be collecting feedback at events with hardcopy surveys available at local libraries. We do not expect any detailed feedback through email. However, if you have any difficulties taking part, please email  speedlimits@gloucestershire.gov.uk.

You can sign up to updates on the Safer Roads and Community 20s initiative by registering for our newsletter here. 

Page last updated: 15 May 2026, 04:49 PM