Following our earlier article on the proposed 20mph speed limit near Shawfield Primary School, there has now been an important update. The scheme has formally moved into the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) stage, which is the final consultation phase before any decision is made.
The scheme focuses on residential roads surrounding Shawfield Primary School in Ash, including Star Lane.
The aim is to:
- Improve road safety
- Reduce vehicle speeds
- Support safer walking and cycling, particularly for school journeys
Latest Update: Statutory Consultation Underway
After reviewing feedback from the initial engagement process, the project has now entered the statutory consultation phase. A Traffic Regulation Order has been published. This is a required legal step before any speed limit change can be introduced.
The consultation is open until 15 June 2026. Residents and stakeholders can review the proposal and submit their views, whether in support or objection.
Read the official update and take part in the consultation here:
shawfield-ash.commonplace.is/news/next-stage-tro-statutory-consultation-now-open
What Is a Traffic Regulation Order?
At this stage:
- Anyone can submit formal representations
- All feedback must be considered before a decision is made
- The outcome will determine whether the 20mph limit is introduced
Feedback From the Earlier Consultation
The initial public engagement saw a good level of participation and reflected a range of opinions across the community. Many respondents supported the proposal. Common reasons included improving safety for children travelling to and from school, reducing speeds on narrow residential roads, and creating calmer conditions for walking and cycling. Several people also asked for the scheme to be expanded, with Star Lane frequently mentioned due to concerns it is used as a cut-through route.
Support for the Scheme
Many respondents were supportive of the proposed 20mph limit. Key reasons included:
- Improving safety for children travelling to and from Shawfield Primary School
- Reducing speeds on narrow residential roads
- Creating calmer and more pedestrian-friendly streets
Several residents also suggested expanding the scheme to include additional roads.
Concerns Raised
Some respondents questioned whether a 20mph speed limit would be effective in changing driver behaviour. Others felt that traffic speeds may already be relatively low. There were also concerns that wider issues, such as parking and congestion, would not be addressed by this scheme.
Change to the Proposal: Star Lane Included
Following the review of feedback:
- No new issues were identified that had not already been considered
- The scheme has been recommended to proceed
- Star Lane has now been included within the proposed 20mph area
The inclusion of Star Lane reflects concerns about its use as a cut-through route.
You can read the full engagement report here:
res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1778065232/Engagement_Results_-_Proposed_Shawfield_Ash_20mph_Scheme_bcavus.pdf
What Happens Next
The project has now moved into the Traffic Regulation Order stage. This is the formal legal consultation where residents can submit support or objections before a final decision is made. The engagement report confirms that while views were mixed, the overall direction is to move forward with the proposal, taking into account community input.
Once the consultation closes on 15 June 2026:
- All responses will be reviewed
- A final decision will be made
- If approved, the 20mph speed limit will be implemented
A further update will be issued once this process is complete.
Have Your Say
Submit your response using the official consultation page:
shawfield-ash.commonplace.is/news/next-stage-tro-statutory-consultation-now-open
Why This Matters for Ash
Shawfield Primary School sits at the centre of a busy residential area. Any changes to traffic management will directly affect local roads, daily routines, and safety. The proposed 20mph limit is intended to improve conditions for children, families, and residents. The outcome will depend on the feedback received during this statutory consultation.