Council approves 40mph speed limit on Staunton Road (from Monmouth to Coleford)

Monmouthshire County Council has approved a new 40mph speed limit on Staunton Road (A4136) following a detailed engineering assessment and community consultation. The decision was part of the Individual Cabinet Member Decision meeting held on Wednesday, 20th August 2025 at 5:00 pm.

The change is aimed at addressing urgent safety concerns on this strategic route, which connects Monmouth to Gloucestershire and carries a variety of vehicles, including heavy goods traffic, with limited alternative routes.

Why the change was needed

An engineering assessment highlighted that the existing speed limit on Staunton Road is inappropriate for the road’s geometry and traffic conditions. Key findings include:

• A documented collision cluster between Wyesham and the county boundary, with five recorded collisions between 2020 and 2023, including one fatality.
  
• The road is heavily used by a range of vehicles, some of which are large, including heavy goods vehicles, creating higher safety risks at current speeds.
  
• The poor road condition further increases the risk of accidents, making a lower speed limit necessary for safe navigation.

The Council concluded that a 40mph limit is the safest option for this section of road and will help prevent future collisions.

Support from local community

Monmouth Town Council has expressed support for the proposed TRO. They highlighted that Staunton Road is used by a variety of vehicles, including large vehicles, and that slower speeds will improve safety for all road users. The Council also noted that the road’s current condition requires careful navigation, which is better managed under a lower speed limit.

Expected benefits

The introduction of the 40mph limit on Staunton Road is expected to have several positive impacts:

• Improved safety for all road users by reducing the likelihood and severity of collisions.
  
• Health benefits for the community, as fewer accidents reduce the burden on emergency services and healthcare providers.
  
• Consistency with wider road safety measures across Monmouthshire, particularly in areas with documented collision clusters such as Staunton Road and the B4235 between Chepstow and Mynydd Bach.
  
• Better traffic management, particularly for heavy goods vehicles using this strategic route.

Council officers noted that these changes are part of a wider programme to create a safer, more consistent speed limit framework across the county and to support sustainable travel where possible.

Next steps

• The 40mph speed limit will be formally implemented as part of the Monmouthshire County Council Traffic Regulation, Speed Limits, and Parking Regulations Consolidation Order 2019 (Amendment Order No. 17).
  
• New signage will be installed, and the TRO will be legally enforceable to ensure compliance.
  
• Residents and road users are encouraged to observe the new limit and continue reporting safety concerns to the Council.