Council set to extend 20mph zone in part of city

A 20mph speed limit is set to be implemented in a neighbourhood in Leicester alongside traffic-calming measures.

Leicester City Council said it was planning on extending an existing 20mph zone in Braunstone by more than 20 streets in a bid to improve road safety.

The authority said the scheme, which was set to cost £275,000 to implement, included roads close to Folville Junior School and Fullhurst Community College.

The changes are part of the council's wider aim to introduce 20mph limits on at least 80% of residential streets in the city.

The council said traffic-calming measures proposed included speed cushions, pedestrian refuges, road humps and footpath buildouts.

Geoff Whittle, assistant city mayor for environment and transport, said: "These 20mph zones are key to making pedestrians and cyclists feel safer to using residential streets around their schools, homes and local shops.

"This latest scheme will continue that work. In each case, we've consulted with residents, businesses and ward councillors to ensure these schemes are a good fit for the neighbourhood."

According to council documents, 1,610 residents were consulted on the proposals, of which 214 responded.

The report added 164 were in favour of the speed limit reduction, with 43 residents against the proposal, and seven people were either unsure on the speed reduction or had no opinion.

The 20mph speed limit is set to come into force on Audley End, Bainbridge Road, Beaufort Road, Bonville Place, Braunstone Avenue, Coninsby Close, Curteys Close, Gooding Avenue, Gooding Close, Hallam Crescent, Herle Avenue, Hillary Place, Mortimer Place, Mortimer Way, New Fields Avenue, New Fields Square, Odam Close, Peveral Road, Reynolds Place, Waltham Avenue and Wyville Row.

Sukhi Biring, equalities officer for Leicester City Council, said: "It should have a positive impact for disabled and other people, improve the confidence of older residents and those with mobility impairments or visual impairments."

"Reduced speeds allow for more reaction time for both drivers and pedestrians," Biring added.

The council said it was expected to implement the scheme in late 2026.

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