Anyone visiting Corsham Town Centre recently will have noticed the new 20mph speed limits in parts of Newlands Road, Pickwick Road and Pound Pill. These limits were introduced following extensive public consultation and negotiations with Wiltshire Council as the Highway Authority with the aim of making Corsham town centre a safer place to get around.
It is clear that the 20mph limits have reduced speeds, but there are a number of places where the extent of the new speed limits is less than residents and the Town Council want to see. As a result, we are asking Wiltshire Council to consider extending some of them. The original aim was to create a 20mph zone within the town and we still want to work towards this.
Over a dozen changes have been suggested but we understand that it is unlikely they will all meet national criteria for 20mph limits or zones.
Since the limits were introduced, we have received large number of comments from residents on the matter. Points raised included:
• The Pound Pill terminal point – There have been requests for the 20mph speed limit to be extended past Corsham Primary School to The Great Western pub area and calls for it to be extended up to the junction with Lypiatt Road.
• Lacock Road – Suggestions to extend the 20mph limit beyond St Patrick’s School.
• High Street Car Park – Potential to include the short road between Pickwick Road and the High Street Car Park in the 20mph limit.
• The Tynings – Incorporate this cul-de-sac, by The Corsham School entrance, into the 20mph limit.
• Post Office Lane, High Street, Church Street and Priory Street (from the High Street to Newlands Road) – Include these areas within the 20mph limits. The Town Council would like any extension here to be mindful to use signage that is proportionate and sensitive to the Corsham Conservation Area.
• Station Road/South Street area – Include all of Station Road, all of South Street, Grove Road, Hastings Road and Pound Mead (up to Furzehill) in the 20mph limits.
• Pickwick Road – Include Pickwick Road up to just past the zebra crossing near the junction with Beechfield Road. It was also suggested to assess Beechfield Road and the associated side roads.
The Town Council has asked Wiltshire Council to revisit the 20mph limits with a view to including the locations listed above. This may take some time due to the criteria for implementing 20mph and the further consultation which will be necessary.
April 2025
