NEW 20mph speed limits are being introduced to make a Cheshire East village safer.

Extensive roadworks are now underway and should be completed by the end of February.

Several highway features are aimed at slowing traffic and forcing drivers to control their speed.

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Residents will see new signs, surface treatments, kerbing works and road markings.

Speed bumps will be installed near pedestrian crossings, in key places throughout the village and near schools.

The scheme follows extensive consultation with local residents, schools and Cheshire police.

Cllr Craig Browne, Cheshire East Council deputy leader and chairman of highways and transport committee, said: “The aim of the scheme is to help protect the safety of all road users, especially in the village centre and near our three village schools.

“It will also support the village economy by creating a calmer and more pleasant environment for visitors to London Road.”

Knutsford Guardian: Cllr Craig Browne, Cheshire East Council deputy leader and chairman of highways and transport committeeCllr Craig Browne, Cheshire East Council deputy leader and chairman of highways and transport committee (Image: Cheshire East Council)

Temporary traffic signals will operate for about five weeks between 8am and 6pm, including weekends.

This is to allow for kerb widening works, sign replacement and installation of draining and pedestrian crossing traffic calming measures.

Cllr Browne said: “We recognise that this will create some disruption and we apologise for the inconvenience this may cause but we hope that, in the long term, residents in Alderley Edge will see the benefits of such an extensive scheme.”

“We’re committed to reducing unsafe speeds, which will help make our streets feel safer and create a more attractive place for people to walk, cycle and spend time, supporting a healthier and more active lifestyle.

The scheme is a response to concerns raised by residents in a consultation, in which people were asked to give their views on driver behaviour and whether they wished to see any measures taken.

Evidence shows that reduced traffic speeds greatly improve the chance of a pedestrian surviving a collision with a vehicle.

At 20mph, a pedestrian has a 97 per cent chance of survival compared with a 10 per cent chance of survival at 40mph.

Temporary traffic signals will operate in London Road for the next five weeks between 8am and 6pm, including weekends.

This is to allow for kerb widening works, sign replacement and installation of draining and pedestrian crossing traffic calming measures.

Temporary traffic lights will be operating in phases on London Road near Heyes Lane junction until February 8, London Road near Brown Street junction from February 8 to February 17 and Wilmslow Road near the junction with Davey Lane on February 27 and 28.

Two road closures are required to allow for resurfacing, kerbing works, draining works and installation of traffic calming measures in phases.

London Road/Congleton Road from Ryleys Lane to De Trafford Arms Hotel will be closed from 8am to 7pm over the weekend of February 11 and 12.

Ryleys Lane will be closed for nine days during school half-term from February 18.

Cheshire East highways have issued leaflets to residents explaining the work being undertaken.

Some road closures are required for public safety and to protect the workforce when final surfacing takes place.

Some aspects of the scheme have been planned to coincide with school holidays, where possible, to minimise any impact.

Diversion routes are in place.