Speed limit 'overdue' to stop 'carnage' on roads

A road safety group is calling for a 40mph (64km/h) limit on country roads through woodland, saying people and wild animals are at risk.

The Forest of Dean road safety group has long campaigned for a lower speed limit and is re-emphasising the issue as the limit along Speech House Road is set to be reduced to 50mph (80km/h), which they say is not enough.

"Since 1 February there have been 12 feral wild boar killed and 15 deer," said Cinderford Town councillor Graham Morgan. "For the animals alone, it's bloody carnage."

Gloucestershire County Council has been approached for comment.

Morgan said: "The speed limit for the whole Forest is long overdue. Anybody who is going out there at speed is taking their life in their hands.

"Boar and deer fly out in front of you and the only thing you are going to do is swerve, hit the oak tree and kill yourself."

He also believes crossroads such as Cannop and Mireystock should have traffic lights on them.

The group - made up of councillors, members of the emergency services and highways and forestry officers - says speed is a major contributing factor to accidents.

Chair of the group councillor Beki Hoyland said there was evidence a 40mph limit will help, the Local Democracy Reporting Service reports.

"This would not only protect those in the cars... but it would also encourage other road users, such as cyclists and walkers, by making them feel safer," she said.

She added many other areas with free roaming animals, such as the New Forest and Dartmoor, already have lower limits.

Gloucestershire Constabulary said it was committed to keeping people safe on the roads and added it takes appropriate action against those drive at excessive speeds.

Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.