There are concerns speed bumps are leading to “reckless driving” in Cinderford amid reports of accidents and near misses with residents calling for a redesign of the road safety measures in the lower High Street near the community hospital.

Reform UK councillor Ray Donaghue said residents have witnessed accidents and near-misses along that stretch, which sees around 55,000 vehicle movements each week.

He believes the speed bumps seem to be causing unpredictable behaviour with drivers weaving to avoid them or braking sporadically.

“While these speed cushions technically pass official safety measures, the reality on the ground tells a completely different story,” he said.

“We are seeing repeated accidents and near-misses because the design seems to encourage unpredictable driver behaviour, vehicles are weaving to avoid the bumps or braking sporadically. It seems to have increased road risk rather than lowering it.

“About 55,000 vehicles pass through this stretch every week; that is a massive amount of risk and misery inflicted on residents, simply because a developer likely chose a cheaper option over the best one.

“It is unacceptable that highways budgets are so stretched that a flawed scheme like this are unlikely to get priority for a redesign until a serious injury or fatality occurs. It needs to be relooked at now.”

Lee Baldwin, who is part of the Cinderford High Street Action Group, has written to Gloucestershire County Council over the “appalling situation” which he says is getting worse.

“Speed humps were installed instead of the proposed roundabout which should have been outside the Cinderford hospital,” he said.

“This has caused reckless driving as people actually speed up to drive over them or drive around them and swerve onto the opposite side of the road... we have had several accidents because of this.

Liberal Democrat councillor Roger Whyborn (Benhall and Up Hatherley), who is responsible for road safety, said the council understands why some residents have raised concerns about the traffic calming measures near the hospital in Cinderford and they appreciate the feedback that has been shared.

“Road safety is our priority,” he said. “The scheme was designed and approved through the planning process and underwent a full technical approval process, including independent road safety audits. While different options may have been considered during the early design stages, the approved scheme included the traffic calming measures that were installed.

“The measures were not chosen on the basis of cost. Although the developer funded the works, the county council’s requirements are based on road safety, design standards and long-term maintenance considerations.

“We are aware that some of the speed cushions required remedial work following installation. The developer has been addressing these issues and will continue to resolve any outstanding maintenance works.

“We recognise concerns about traffic levels and driver behaviour. However, monitoring shows vehicle speeds have reduced and are now more consistent with the 30mph speed limit, and our road safety team has confirmed there have been no recorded injury collisions at this location since 2024.

“We will continue to review any new evidence and ensure any outstanding maintenance issues are addressed.”