Plans for reducing speed limits around schools

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Cabinet will be asked to note the recommendations for additional speed reduction measures around selected schools and colleges following the extensive traffic monitoring.

Road safety, particularly safety outside of schools, is of paramount importance and a key concern for all parents, schools, residents and the wider community. The roads around schools have been assessed based on the type of road that the school entrance leads onto. The findings have led to recommendations for reducing speed limits outside 18 schools in total.

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Cabinet will be asked to note the recommendations for additional speed reduction measures around selected schools and colleges following the extensive traffic monitoring.

Councillor Karen Shore, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Transport and Highways said:

“Ensuring our roads are as safe as they can be for all road users, whether they are pedestrians, cyclists or drivers is essential. We have carried out fresh surveys to assess the roads with schools on that are above 20mph and where we feel additional safety measures can be put in place. This is what we are now proposing.

“For some areas we are able to introduce new signage and speed reductions straight away as the legal process is complete. A programme of consultation is being carried out across other areas with the intention to introduce the new measures as soon as possible.

“In addition, our safe routes to school officer is also working closely with schools. Regardless of speed limits, I’d remind all drivers to be even more vigilant around our schools, these areas are busier than normal in the morning and afternoon.” 

Proposals for lowering the traffic speeds:

• Abbeygate College, Chapel Lane, Saighton.
  The current Speed Limit is 30 mph, proposed reduction to 20mph in October 2025.
• Ashton Hayes Primary School, Church Road, Ashton Hayes.
  The current Speed Limit is 30 mph, proposed reduction to 20mph (timed period advisory 20 when lights are flashing)
• Bishop Heber High School, Chester Road, Malpas.
  The current Speed Limit is 30 mph, proposed reduction to 20mph (timed period advisory 20 when lights are flashing)
• Byley Primary School, Moss Lane, Byley.
  The current Speed Limit is 30 mph, proposed reduction to 20mph, implementation 2026 subject to consultation.
• Cheshire College, South and West Ellesmere Port Campus, Sutton Way, Ellesmere Port.
  The current Speed Limit is 30 mph, proposed reduction to 20mph, implementation 2026 subject to consultation.
• Crowton Christ Church Primary, Kingsley Road, Crowton.
  The current Speed Limit is 30 mph, proposed reduction to 20mph, implementation 2026 subject to consultation.
• Dee Banks School, Dee Banks, Sandy Lane, Chester.
  The current Speed Limit is 30 mph, proposed reduction to 20mph, implementation 2026 subject to consultation.
• Duddon St Peters C of E Primary School, Tarporley Road, Duddon.
  The current Speed Limit is 30 mph, proposed reduction to 20mph (timed period advisory 20 when lights are flashing) .
• Hartford High School, Chester Road, Northwich.
  The current Speed Limit is 30 mph, proposed reduction to 20mph, implementation 2026 subject to consultation.
• Huntington Community Primary,  B5130 Aldford Rd, Huntington
  The current Speed Limit is 30 mph, proposed reduction to 20mph, implementation 2026 subject to consultation.
• University of Liverpool, School of Veterinary Science, A540 Chester High Road, Leahurst.
  The current speed limit on the A540 Chester High Road is 60 mph, proposed reduction to 50mph.
• St Martins Academy, A56 Hoole Road, Chester.
  The current Speed Limit is 30 mph, proposed reduction to 20mph, implementation 2026 subject to consultation.
• Ellesmere Port C or E College, A5032 Whitby Road, Ellesmere Port.
  The current Speed Limit is 30 mph, proposed reduction to 20mph, implementation 2026 subject to consultation.
• The Queens Lower School, Liverpool Road, Chester.
  The current Speed Limit is 30 mph, proposed reduction to 20mph, implementation 2026 subject to consultation.
• Rudheath Senior Academy, Shipbrook Road, Northwich.
  The current Speed Limit on Shipbrook Road is 20 mph, Middlewich Road was assessed as part of the 20 mph project. Signed 20mph to be progressed, with implementation 2026 subject to consultation.
• University of Chester, Chester Campus, Parkgate Road, Chester.
  There are two entrances, Cheyney Road is already 20 mph. A540 Parkgate Road is currently 30 mph. No further change recommended
• Weaverham Primary Academy, Northwich Road, Weaverham.
  The current Speed Limit is 30 mph, proposed reduction to 20mph (timed period advisory 20 when lights are flashing).
• Whitegate C of E Primary, Cinder Hill, Whitegate.
  The current Speed Limit is 30 mph, subject to consultation, proposed reduction to 20mph in October 2025.
• Winsford High Street Community Primary School, Winsford.
  The main entrance is on A54 High Street which is a dual carriageway and has a speed limit of 40 mph. Propose to reduce the speed to 30mph.