A MOTORIST has launched a petition against new 20mph zones – claiming drivers can’t get up Stroud’s hills at low speeds.

Father-of-two Brian Marks, of Uplands, started the online petition after 20mph signs appeared around town.

Mr Marks said that he has difficulty driving up the hill at 20mph and believes that the new scheme is “poorly thought through”.

The self-employed mortgage broker is meeting with Green county councillor Sarah Lunnon, who supports the scheme, to discuss the issue.

“If these 20mph zones have been set in place as an issue of safety, then there should be 20mph restrictions around school times.” said Mr Marks.

“There seems to be no pattern here and the limits are inconsistent and poorly thought through.

“On many of the roads 20mph is too fast and on some roads there is no need to have a 20mph restriction.

“Steep roads are more difficult to drive up without accelerating and in some cases that means driving above 20mph to maintain the climb.”

Mr Marks said that before the new limits were introduced he would drive between 25mph and 30mph up Folly Lane.

“This is not about me wanting to drive fast around these roads. On many 30mph roads you can’t drive that fast because of parked cars and children playing,” he said.

“I have two young daughters and believe that the safety of pedestrians and road users is important and wholeheartedly share this ideal where practical.”

Cllr Lunnon said: “I would like to point out that when we are on foot, a car, van or 42 tonne lorry passing at 30mph can feel very fast. My car has gears, I change down my gears to drive at reduced speeds, I’m very confident that drivers also know how to use their gears.”

Jason Humm, area highways manager at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “We are not aware of this petition however we’re happy to take all views into consideration for this scheme. The scheme has been through a thorough safety audit, which has been agreed by ourselves and the police, and we know there is strong support for the scheme within the local community based on the data we have already gathered from a detailed public consultation, which was carried out last year.”

In 2012, the SNJ reported how newly elected Uplands district councillor Roger Sanders (Lab) was calling for the new limit in his ward. “When I canvassed for election in Uplands one of the biggest issues was the traffic speed,” he said. “When I got elected I started the process of traffic calming and this was greatly supported. It is nonsense to say it is difficult to keep to 20mph up or down hills.”

To view the petition click here.