A4 speed limit in Wiltshire lowered to 40mph near town

For many years residents have been calling for an extension of the 40mph speed limit on the A4 at Manton, near Marlborough.

In August, a proposal was approved to extend the lowered speed limit by 52 metres, to cover the turning into Downs Lane.

This proposal was supported by Manton Residents Association as part of its five-point plan to make the road safer for pedestrians and drivers.

The group has also pushed for better signage and the introduction of a traffic island.

On Friday, September 13, Wiltshire Council confirmed it hoped to complete the installation of speed limit signage on the route that day, following works.

READ MORE: Push for 40mph speed limit to be extended on key A-road in Wiltshire

The A4 near Marlborough (Image: Google Maps) From this point on, the new 40mph speed limit will be enforced.

Cllr Richard Clewer, leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “We anticipate that all speed limit signage will be installed when the roadworks finish on Friday, September 13, at which time the speed limit will become enforceable.”

The proposal was supported by multiple residents during a consultation process, with some arguing the speed limit should be extended even further.

Many Manton residents raised concerns about the safety of the road in their responses, with one person saying turning out onto the road was a “life or death decision.”

They added: “Please can you move the 40mph boundary to way past the Downs lane turn off.

“I live in Manton Hollow and for over 20 years I have taken my life into my hands to turn out of Downs Lane onto the A4 into traffic that is going at least 60mph an hour every day.

“Despite nearly 40 years of driving experience, this is a life or death daily decision that is caused by the speed limit in place.”

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Another response, from someone who lives on Manton High Street, said: “For over 20 years I have been making personal requests alongside action by other Manton residents for improvements in road safety on the A4 exit.

“Exiting onto the A4 from Manton remains hazardous due mainly to the speed of vehicles going west, the road rise prior to the Manton junction, coupled with poor visibility in both directions where drivers have to put their cars at peril when exiting.

“The junction is frankly an accident waiting to happen but any improvement to road safety now proposed under this consultation is better than nothing.”