News / Hotwells
‘Guerrilla signage’ installed in campaign to reduce speed limit
The chair of a primary school PTA says he “cannot accept a situation where children are placed at risk simply to reach their classrooms”.
Residents have restarted a campaign to reduce the speed limit to 20mph on Hotwell Road less than one month after a driver lost control of their car, mounted a pavement used every day by dozens of young children and their adults, and crashed into a building close to Dowry Square.
‘Guerrilla signage’ has been installed by campaigners on Hope Chapel Hill in an effort to urge drivers to slow down on their way towards Hotwell Road.
20mph signs with added ‘please drive slowly at all times’ have been placed over existing 30mph signs at the bottom of the hill.
Campaigners have also painted ‘slow’ in capital letters in various places along the steep street that is a well-known rat-rat from Clifton to Hotwells and passes next to Hotwells Primary School.
Chair of Hotwells Primary School PTA and Green Party councillor for Central ward, Sibusiso Tshabalala, said: “As a resident, I cannot accept a situation where children are placed at risk simply to reach their classrooms.
“Every day, I see families navigating fast, heavy traffic along Hotwell Road. That is not unavoidable. It is the result of choices we can change.
“I am clear that a 20mph speed limit is a highly impactful and necessary step to prevent serious harm.
“We have already witnessed a vehicle crash into a building on this stretch. Next time, we may not be so fortunate.”
Hope Chapel Hill is a well known rat-run from Clifton to Hotwells – photo: Martin Booth
A petition to make Hotwell Road a 20mph zone has already been signed by more than 200 people.
Campaigners say the the current 30mph limit “is no longer fit for purpose”.
Dowry Square resident, Jenny Frayn, said: “Last month’s crash was a final warning. Hotwell Road isn’t just a commuter route, it’s a place where people live, shop and go to school.
“We shouldn’t have to wait for a fatality before the council recognises that 30mph is too fast for a high-risk residential area.
“As part of the introduction of the 24-hour bus lane planned for Hotwell Road, the council should reduce the speed limit to 20mph.”
A campaign leaflet shows a photo of the crash that took place on February 10 – photo: Martin Booth
To sign the petition, visit www.change.org/p/20-is-plenty-make-hotwell-road-a-20-mph-zone
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read next:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
