A proposal to extend Calne’s 30mph speed limit along part of the A4 has sparked criticism from Conservative Councillor Orrey Pike, who says the move lacks evidence and proper consultation.
At a recent Calne Town Council meeting, members discussed a request from Calne Without Parish Council for several road safety measures on the A4 Curzon Street - including white entrance gates at the Calne sign, a “no right turn” restriction into the western entrance of The Springfields Academy, and an extension of the 30mph zone to replace the existing 40mph limit.
Cllr Pike questioned what data supported the proposed speed limit reduction. “According to the Government’s own website, speed limits should be evidence-led and self-explaining and seek to reinforce people’s assessment of what is a safe speed to travel,” he said.
“When assessing this, things like a history of collisions, road geometry, and the composition of road users need to be considered. This is an A road and one of the main routes into our town. It’s neither a dangerous road nor one bordered by obstacles that might make it unsafe.”
Cllr Pike said he had seen “neither evidence nor data” to support what he described as an “ill-thought-out decision”. He also questioned whether consultation had been carried out with residents, road users, or affected town councillors.
“It seems to me that some councillors want to railroad through resolutions on a whim without real consideration of how our ever-dwindling resources might be better spent,” he added.
“Careless and reckless drivers will never adhere to safe speed limits no matter what they are set at. The way to deal with this is by enforcement. We don’t need a reduction in the limit that penalises good drivers - we need more prosecutions of bad drivers.”
During the meeting, Cllr Pike proposed not to support any speed limit change unless supporting data was available. The motion was not seconded.
A separate proposal - to request from Wiltshire Council’s Local Highways and Footpaths Improvement Group (LHFIG) a 30mph limit extension, a no right turn, and new bus shelters - was carried, with a recorded vote showing five councillors in favour, one against (Cllr Pike), and one abstention.
Earlier this month, Wiltshire Council announced plans to ban right-hand turns from the A4 Curzon Street into The Springfields Academy entrance, citing safety and congestion concerns. The public consultation on that proposal remains open until 3rd November 2025, and residents can submit their comments via the council’s website or by email to
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