A local residents association has explained why they pushed for Stoke-on-Trent City Council to launch its first 20mph experimental zone.

Earlier this month, the council announced that a 20mph speed limit would be introduced on several roads across the Penkhull area through an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO).

The council explained that the launch follows concerns raised by residents and elected members about vehicle speeds and road safety in the area.

Penkhull Residents Association was one group that raised concerns and pushed for the introduction of a 20mph zone.

Matthew Oxby, committee member of Penkhull Residents Association, recently researched 20mph zones and road safety to enable the committee to offer input on the suggested area the zone would cover, with the council making the final decision.

Matthew said: "A-roads like the A34 and A500 now provide major routes for through traffic around the historic lanes and streets of our hilltop village of Penkhull.

"However, road safety is an all-too-common concern raised by residents, with collisions, crashes and near misses at streets and junctions across Penkhull. There are concerns about the speed of traffic around children travelling to and from the schools in particular."

Matthew explained that Penkhull is largely residential with lots of on street parking and commuinity assets such as "a large primary school and high school, multiple shops, pubs, places of worship, cemetery, village hall, allotments and green spaces".

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Penkhull is also close to Royal Stoke University Hospital and Stoke Town Centre.

He added: "This means a complex pattern of movement within and through the area, with a high number of vulnerable road users.

"With two conservation areas, most of our streets and lanes were not built to modern highway standards, with narrow lanes, steep gradients, limited visibility at junctions etc.

"Many are heritage lanes with no pavements, and there are zebra crossings only at the school gates."

Matthew said that during his research he saw reports of reduced collisions, fewer casualties and lower motor insurance premiums in areas that have lowered speed limits.

He added: "We suggested all of the residential streets in Penkhull were suitable to be considered by the City Council for a 20mph speed limit to calm traffic and improve safety, but the highways engineers have suggested a trial zone.

"We'll be listening to how residents find the trial of a lower speed limit, to help provide feedback to the City Council."

The new speed limit came into force from Monday 9 February and is expected to run for an initial six months.

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The impact will be monitored and feedback from residents, businesses and road users will be considered before a decision is made on whether the scheme should become permanent.

Councillor Amjid Wazir OBE, cabinet member for enforcement and city pride at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "This trial puts local people's concerns at the heart of our work to make neighbourhoods safer.

"By trialling the scheme, we can assess whether lower speeds help to reduce risk, improve air quality and create a safer, more pleasant environment for everyone.

We will monitor the results carefully and listen to residents before any decision on extending the trial or making the scheme permanent."

Anyone who wants to comment on the experimental order can do so in writing up until 9 August 2026.

Residents can contact [email protected] quoting reference DF/ETRO19/2025