Responding to the news from Cheshire West and Chester Council that it intends to lower the speed limit on Wrexham Road, Chester, outside the King's School, from 40mph to 30mph, Cllr Simon Eardley (Saughall and Mollington, Con), Shadow Cabinet Member for Transport and Highways and Conservative Group Deputy Leader, said:
"We welcome this decision as a clear response to the intense public comment and concern of thousands of people following the tragic incident which saw the death of King's pupil, Evan Rothwell, last Autumn. Our thoughts and condolences absolutely remain with his family and friends.
"The Council has demonstrated that it has the discretionary power to act promptly on speed limits in circumstances which it believes warrants it. The process to reduce speed limits - a widespread concern across the borough - is often cumbersome, bureaucratic and expensive. This pragmatic response is hopefully a sign of things to come to ensure road safety for our school children and other users.
"We have continually highlighted significant concerns about this road in the past, including in the vicinity of the Jigsaw Nursery near Ash Grove, which the ruling administration of the Council refused to allow any discussion on at a Full Council meeting in 2023. The call then was for the introduction of a safe pedestrian crossing in the vicinity of that well used facility. We are glad the concerns of residents have now been heard near the King's School on these important issues and given full weight when considering road safety, which should be a priority for us all."
Read the Council statement here: https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/news/wrexham-road-statement