PEOPLE in villages across West Dean are being asked for their views on reducing the speed limit on some roads in the area.

Gloucestershire County Council is proposing to introduce a 20mph limit.

The proposals would bring more consistent speed limits to communities across West Dean, including Parkend, Elwood, Sling, Bream, Whitecroft, Pillowell, Yorkley Slade, Edge End, Berry Hill, Five Acres, Cannop, Viney Hill and Oldcroft, says the council.

A 20mph speed limit is proposed for most residential streets.

Some key routes into the villages are also proposed to have lower limits, helping drivers make a safer transition into 20mph areas.

Existing 30mph, 40mph and 50mph speed limits will be retained in locations where they remain appropriate and are working effectively.

West Dean is among the first tranche of locations being considered through the council’s Safer Roads and Community 20s programme.

The area scored highly in Gloucestershire County Council's prioritisation exercise, which brought together road safety and public health factors alongside expressions of interest from West Dean Parish Council.

Between 2021 and 2025, 121 road casualties were recorded across West Dean, with 31 per cent resulting in people being killed or seriously injured.

Most casualties were recorded on the area's main road network, with 61 per cent on major roads. Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists accounted for 24 per cent of all casualties.

A public consultation exercise has openedand will run until midnight on Sunday, December 13.

People can explore the plans online, leave comments on an interactive map and share their views through a survey.

To view the proposals and complete the survey visit www.haveyoursaygloucestershire.uk.engagementhq.com and search for West Dean Roads and Community 20s | Have Your Say Gloucestershire Paper copies of the engagement materials and hard-copy surveys are also available at West Dean Parish Council Offices, Bream, GL15 6JW.

People can also speak directly with the project team at the following events:

In-person pop-up event: The West Dean Centre, High Street, Bream, Gloucestershire, GL15 6JW on Wednesday 18 November 2026, from 10am to 6pm.

Online webinar: Thursday 26 November 2026, from 6pm to 7pm. Please register via this link: Safer Roads and Community 20s: West Dean

If there is community support, a formal Traffic Regulation Order and statutory consultation process will be launched in early 2027, with any approved changes expected to be introduced in mid-2027.

Cllr Roger Whyborn, the council’s Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport and Road Safety, said: "We're asking residents, businesses and local organisations across West Dean to take a look at the proposals and tell us what they think.

“Local feedback is an important part of the process and will help us understand the priorities of communities across the area.”

"These proposals are about making our roads safer and reducing the risk and severity of collisions, while creating conditions where people feel more comfortable walking, wheeling and cycling. I would encourage everyone who lives, works or travels through West Dean to have their say."