DRIVERS across Wiltshire could soon see changes to speed limits with a new council policy aiming to make roads safer and rules clearer for everyone.

Wiltshire Council is considering a new Speed Limit Policy designed to create a “fairer and more consistent” approach to how limits are set across the county.

If approved, it could make it easier for communities, including those in Salisbury, to push for changes where speeding is a concern.

One of the biggest shifts is a stronger focus on 20mph zones, particularly in residential streets, town centres and areas with high pedestrian use.

Under the proposals, town and parish councils will be able to apply more easily for these lower limits, although they would still need to cover the cost of signage and road markings.

The council says decisions will continue to be based on evidence, including how roads are used, accident history, traffic speeds and the mix of road users.

Rather than relying on isolated data points, entire routes will be assessed to give a clearer picture of real driving behaviour.

Importantly, the policy also makes clear that lowering a speed limit is not always the answer. In some cases, measures such as traffic calming, better crossings or increased enforcement may be more effective.

Cabinet member for highways Cllr Martin Smith said: “This new Speed Limit Policy gives us a clear, evidence-based framework for making decisions that affect communities across Wiltshire.

“It puts safety first, supports our Vision Zero approach to reducing serious and fatal collisions, and helps ensure speed limits make sense for the roads people use every day.

“Importantly, it also explains to residents how concerns can be raised and what we can realistically do to address them, whether that’s through speed limits, enforcement or other safety measures.

“Speed management is a key part of our road safety approach. Evidence shows that speed is a factor in a significant proportion of serious and fatal collisions, and even small reductions in driving speeds can greatly reduce the likelihood and severity of injuries.

“By adopting this policy, we aim to create safer streets, encourage more walking and cycling, improve quality of life in residential areas, and ensure speed limits across the county are consistent, credible and effective.”

A final decision on whether to adopt the policy will now be made in the coming weeks.