Plans to extend 20mph speed limit in Ironbridge Gorge are previewed

Members of The Gorge Parish were given a presentation by Lee Barnard from Telford & Wrekin Council on initial proposals to stretch the current speed limit, which runs through the centre of Ironbridge.

The proposals would see the 20mph zone stretched from its current position on The Wharfage to include four main entrances into the town, incorporating parts of Madeley Road, Waterloo Street, Dale End and the B4360.

This would include adding new signs and traffic-calming measures in a bid to encourage motorists to reduce their speed.

An earlier plan had been presented to members in November by borough Councillor David Davies, which saw the limit stretched even further up Madeley Road to reduce speeding problems there.

A date will now be set to allow members of the public to be consulted on the plans.

Mr Barnard told the meeting held in the council offices at Maws Craft Centre last night that the proposals were still flexible.

He said: "This is not set in stone. There is flexibility in things like the designs of the speed bumps, whether there are cushions or bumps."

Councillor Davies said: "I would, to be honest, like to see it brought further than this, but there are limitations.

"I think this is a good compromise in terms of what we can do. I would have particularly liked to see the limit extended up Madeley Road where speeds are very high. I get a lot of complaints about speed down Madeley Bank.

"These are initial proposals and have been available for a short time, I have seen that some people have already made some comments and, in general, those that I have seen have been very positive."

The new proposals would see the limit starting opposite the Valley Hotel on the B4380, with a pinch-point feature added to let drivers know they are entering the heritage area.

This would also be the case on Dale End, just past Coalbrookdale Primary School.

Two new speed bumps or cushions would also be placed on the roads, leading up to the roundabout which takes motorists on to the Wharfage.

At the other end of the town, the limit would stretch up Madeley Road, up to the junction with St Luke's Road – also marked with a pinch-point.

This would also be the case on Waterloo Road, which runs parallel to Madeley Road.

Both would also feature new speed bumps or cushions.