LYDNEY may get a new 20mph speed limit in the wake of an horrific accident where a car mounted the kerb and hit a mum trying to protect her son.

Gloucestershire Highways have written to the town council proposing to introduce the new limit on the main road through the town.

It would run from Newerne Street's junction with Hams Road to the town council offices on the High Street.

The idea is due to be discussed by town councillors at a meeting on Monday.

Two weeks ago mum Rachel Davis pushed her son to safety after a car mounted the pavement while they waited at a cash point in Newerne Street.

She was left with numerous injuries including a broken leg.

In October 2009 Jean Murrell, from Elton, lost her leg nearby in very similar circumstances.

One lollipop lady was hit by a car in September and volunteers at Dean Forest Railway, one of whom was struck and others who have had near-misses, have said they support the lower limit.

"Anything that increases the safety of our volunteers who have to step into the road, I'm all for," said railway chairman Peter Adams.

"There are many new homes being built in Lydney so there will be more and more cars – anything to reduce people's speed through the town would be welcomed.

"As far as pedestrianising the town I can't see that it would be a constructive move – I don't think it would enhance the town."

Town mayor Bill Osborne said plans for pedestrianisation, which was mooted by regeneration consultants, wouldn't be realistic for Lydney.

"This is such an elongated town and it has a massive estate at one end so pedestrianisation wouldn't really be the answer," he said.

"The idea was brought up ages ago and hasn't come back to the fore.

"The 20mph limit is a much better idea for the safety of pedestrians especially as there are two childrens' crossing points in the town.

"However I don't know if it will make any difference as a lot of people don't seem to abide by the speed limit."

Town councillor and bus firm owner James Bevan said: "The lower limit would be fine as long as there is a caveat that chicanes along Church Street are removed.

"They cause trouble for the school buses coming out and the one by St Mary's Church is on a corner."