Victory! Speed limit cut outside North Staffordshire school

Campaigners have won their fight to cut the speed limit outside a North Staffordshire primary school. The speed limit on the Stoke-on-Trent side of Lightwood Road, in Lightwood, has been 30mph for the past five years.

But it was 40mph on the Staffordshire border - next to St Matthew's Church of England Academy - and remained at that speed until Rough Close. The cross-border anomaly led residents, teachers and parents to call for the entire stretch of Lightwood Road and Cocknage Road to become 30mph.

Now the 30mph speed limit has been extended to the Swynnerton Arms from this week. It comes as the latest crash was reported on the road last week.

READ: Motorist's dire warning after speed limit change outside this Stoke-on-Trent primary school - New 40mph signs have been put up

READ: Families back plan to slash 40mph speed limit near school - Staffordshire County Council wants to introduce a 30mph speed limit

Tories Jack Brereton, Faisal Husain and Ian Parry had pressed Staffordshire County Council to make the change.

Stoke-on-Trent South MP Mr Brereton said: “As a resident of Lightwood, I am extremely concerned about vehicles driving too fast down this road and I know these are the concerns of local residents. I am pleased our calls for action have been heard. This will be a relief to parents and teachers of St Matthew's Church of England Academy who I know have been worried about vehicles speeding outside the school.”

Meir South and Lightwood ward councillor Mr Hussain said: “I am really glad to finally see the speed limit reduction being implemented by St Matthew's Church of England Academy. I have been tirelessly campaigning for this change as it was seriously concerning to see such a speed limit outside a built-up residential area, particularly outside a school. This is welcoming news and I would like to thank everyone involved in helping to make this happen.”

County councillor Mr Parry added: “Getting this speed reduction has been a priority for some time. It will improve safety at the busy junction near St Matthew's Church of England Academy.”

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