DOZENS of residential streets in Rushey Mead are to be included in a new 20mph zone aimed at cutting traffic speeds and improving safety.
The scheme, which covers an area between the north of Troon Way and the boundary with Charnwood Borough Council, includes roads around Sandfield Close Primary School and Jesse Jackson Park.
A similar scheme is already in place to the south of Troon Way, covering the streets around Rushey Mead Academy.
The latest 20mph zone will include Thomson Close, Coles Close, Nicklaus Road, Jacklin Drive, Cotton Close, Rees Grove, Gregson Close, Locke Avenue, Townsend Close, Nagle Grove, Uttoxeter Close, Silverstone Drive and Badminton Road.
It also includes the length of Trevino Drive and the adjacent streets including Faldo Close, Owen Close, Marsh Close, Barnes Close, Floyd Close, Lema Close, Brewer Close, Gilbert Close, Butler Close, Shearer Close, Huggett Close, Beman Close and Archer Close.
On the opposite side of Melton Road, Alderton Close and Melton Avenue will also be included in the scheme.
It follows consultations with local residents and ward councillors earlier this year over the introduction of such a scheme. Of those who responded, 81 percent were in favour of bringing in a 20mph speed limit.
In all the scheme will cost about £20,000 to implement, funded from the council’s transport improvement works budget. Detailed designs will be drawn up during July and August, with the measures due to be in place by September.
The work is the latest in a rolling programme introducing 20mph zones in residential areas citywide where there is local support for doing so.
Schemes are typically installed in areas around schools both to help improve road safety and to encourage more people to cycle or walk to school.
Leicester deputy city mayor for transport and the environment, Cllr Adam Clarke, said: “These 20mph zones are key to making pedestrians and cyclists feel safer to using these residential streets around schools, which in turn encourages more of them to choose alternatives to car travel.
“The benefits in terms of health, air quality and tackling congestion are clear to see.”
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