To mark the start this week of the sixth United Nations Global Road Safety Week, a formal campaign has been started in Kenilworth to ask Warwickshire County Council to introduce an extended 20mph zone in central Kenilworth.

As present the only 20mph area is a temporary measure put in place for Warwick Road between the St John's gyratory and Abbey End.

It is now proposed by campaigners that the 20mph zone be extended to help increase safety in the town and to encourage more shoppers and visitors to Kenilworth.

Warwickshire County Council did consult residents over traffic calming measures in April, with a small 20mph speed zone as well as speed bumps and tables proposed. The results of the consultation are expected to be released in June.

However, with the formation of a new county council following the May elections, as well as increased concern around traffic safety in Kenilworth, a further-reaching zone has been suggested to prompt the council into making a long-term decision which reflects the needs of residents.

The area proposed is that bounded on either side of Warwick Road, up to Abbey Hill, and down to St John's Road. The full area enclosed by this can be seen in the graphic below.*

An online petition has been created and can be signed by Warwickshire residents online here

For the county council to respond to the petition, at least 50 signatures of people who live, work or study in Warwickshire are needed. If 1,000 signatures are obtained, the petition can be presented at a county council meeting.

The petition will remain open until 28 June 2021.

Campaigners also stood outside St Nicholas' and St John's primary schools yesterday to collect signatures on a physical petition.

One of the local supporters of the proposal, Cllr Richard Dickson, said: "At speeds in excess of 30mph research shows that a child or vulnerable adult will be lucky to survive a collision. At below 20mph, they have a much better chance of survival.

"Many of the side roads in central Kenilworth pass through residential areas past schools, but are now being used as dangerous 'ratruns'. If vehicles slow down, the roads should be much safer for pedestrians and cyclists of all ages."

Campaigners are also offering to give away a free bin sticker and window sticker obtained from '20s plenty' to the first 20 people to apply by email to [email protected].

• The area proposed is that bounded between Abbey Hill, Priory Road, Whateleys Drive, Waverley Road, Warwick Road to the St John's gyratory, St John's Street, Roseland Road, Mortimer Road, St Nicholas Avenue, Siddeley Avenue, Brookside Avenue, Forrest Road and Borrowell Lane and on Farmer Ward Road.