"Do nothing is not an option" is the message ahead of a council decision on effectively closing off a busy Kenilworth road next week.

Warwickshire County Council (WCC) will decide whether to create a 'prohibition of motor vehicles' section on Crewe Lane and whether the speed limit should be reduced to 30mph down from the existing national speed limit.

If approved, the works would effectively see a 99-metre break in the road outside Kenilworth Golf Club's entrance. 

This would mean Crewe Lane would stop being a 'through road'. A gate would be provided to allow emergency vehicles to pass through. 

The entrances to the gold club would both need to be changed to allow two-way access.

"The western section of Crewe Lane, which joins Glasshouse Lane in Kenilworth, is a narrow unlit rural lane subject to the national speed limit and unsuitable for high volumes of through traffic," a council report said. 

"It has an average width of less than five metres which makes it difficult for two vehicles to pass, and there are no footways, except on the corners of junctions with Glasshouse Lane/ Knowle Hill and Lancelotte Avenue. 

"The junction with Glasshouse Lane/ Knowle Hill and Hidcote Road is a staggered crossroads on the crest of a hill with poor sightlines."

Public Objections

A public consultation was held last year, with 71 objections being received to the prohibition zone, including one from a private plumbing company in Stoneleigh and from Ashow Parish Council.

Kenilworth Town Council did not object, but said the works should not start until the new spine road on the neighbouring Stoneleigh View housing estate is built and open. This as well as the new roundabout at the other end of the estate on Glasshouse Lane.

Both Warwickshire Police and Kenilworth Golf Club supported the changes.

WCC hopes the change will funnel traffic through the spine road and away from Crewe Lane.

A council report recommends the changes be made, despite these objections.

"Do nothing is not an option – interventions are needed as Crewe Lane is unsuitable for increased use by motor vehicles and the increasing use by new residents to walk, wheel and cycle between homes and schools," the report said.

"Alternative route – many of the objections relate to the reduced access between Kenilworth and Coventry and potential detours, or the fact that through traffic may pass through the new estate to the south. 

"The opening of the spine road will provide safer access between Kenilworth and Coventry and an equivalent route distance to Crewe Lane so there is no change in journey length for drivers. 

"The spine road will have more appropriate facilities for motor traffic alongside people on foot and cycles. 

"The objections could be mitigated by improving communications to help Kenilworth residents understand and navigate the new routes coming forward in their town."

National to 30mph?

There was more support for plans to reduce the speed limit on Crewe Lane to 30mph.

There were just two objections but 25 notices of support.

"Regarding the 30mph Speed Limit, the twenty five supportive comments strongly outweigh the two objections," the report continued. 

"The county council therefore proposes to implement a sign only speed limit in advance of the opening of the spine road - to improve safety for the growing number of people, including children, using Crewe Lane for local journeys on foot and cycle, and mixing with fast-moving motor traffic, including drivers who may be using Crewe Lane to avoid HS2 diversions/ closures. 

"The county council would monitor speed limit compliance with a view to adding engineering measures in the future. 

"Warwickshire Police has confirmed that they have no objection to this approach."

When would the changes be made?

Portfolio holder for transport and planning Cllr Jennifer Warren will make a decision on the changes on Friday (April 24).

If approved, WCC hopes the 30mph limit would come into force by the end of June this year.

A complete design for the no vehicle zone would need to be drafted, this is hoped to be completed by the end of November.

The WCC report says the spine road and roundabout on Glasshouse Lane are due to be completed in December, which would then allow for the changes to be installed on Crewe Lane.

However, given the works for the roundabout have been continually delayed for over two years, there is no guarantee the works will be finished this year.

The report also indicates the prohibition of motor vehicles order on Crewe Lane would not begin until Dalehouse Lane reopens from HS2 works in June 2027.

Click here to see the full council report.