CHILDREN and dog walkers will be safer as a consequence of new speed limit restrictions, a councillor has argued.

Plans have been published by the borough council to extend a 30mph speed limit along Broome Manor Road. 

Traffic officers hinted that the proposals follow a rise in the number of walkers entering through the back gate of Coate Water Country Park in a bid to escape car parking charges. 

Currently, the 30mph limit ends before Coate Water – with drivers able to accelerate to 60mph as they reach tight right-hand bends. 

Under plans currently out for consultation with residents, borough traffic officers have proposed extending a 30mph limit zone to just a right-hand bend at the end of the Coate Water reserve. The remainder of the road to Hodson would be covered by a new 40mph limit. 

Traffic officers say the new plans have been proposed in the “interests of road safety”. 

In a “Statement of Reasons” for the changes, they write: “Concerns have been raised by local road users and ward councillors regarding the current speed limit of 60mph on Broome Manor Lane.

"The frequency and volume of pedestrians walking in the road around the Coate Country Park access has increased following the introduction of car parking changes within the country park in 2016.”

Councillor Fionuala Foley welcomed the proposals – which she said was the third plank in plans to improve the safety of the road.

“A mum and her two young children came to my councillor surgery,” she said. “The children rode their bikes there and they thought it was dangerous.”

Coun Foley said the proposals would “make it safer” for families and walkers to cross the road into Coate Water: “Broome Manor Lane is a busy road. It’s a cut through from Chiseldon. At 30mph, if you hit somebody there’s a higher chance of them surviving.”

Plans to introduce double yellow lines at the Marlborough Road end of Broome Manor Lane and extend a previous 30mph further along residential areas of the road had already been introduced, she added.

Residents were largely supportive of any plans to reduce speeding along the leafy South Swindon road.

Nicola Blankenstein, 70, said: “It seems like a good idea.”

Another woman, 62, told the Adver: “I think anything that slows the traffic down would be welcomed.”

Residents have until February 9 to comment on the plans at www.swindon.gov.uk.