The meeting of the Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions on Monday 15 June 2026 was scheduled to discuss proposed traffic regulation and speed limit orders for Crewe Lane in Kenilworth. The Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning, Councillor Stephen Shaw, was due to make a decision following a previous deferral.

Crewe Lane, Kenilworth: Proposed Traffic Regulation and Speed Limit Orders

The primary item scheduled for discussion concerned proposed changes to traffic regulations and speed limits on Crewe Lane in Kenilworth. This followed a decision on 12 June 2026 to defer a decision, with the Portfolio Holder undertaking a site visit to inform the final decision on 15 June 2026.

The report pack indicated that the proposals included the introduction of a 30 mph speed limit along a section of Crewe Lane, from its western junction with Glasshouse Lane to just south of its eastern junction with Lancelotte Avenue. Additionally, a prohibition of motor vehicles was proposed for a 99-metre stretch of Crewe Lane, near Kenilworth Golf Club, intended to prevent through traffic with an exception for emergency services.

The rationale behind these proposals was that the rural nature of Crewe Lane, its narrow width, and lack of footways make it unsuitable for the increased traffic anticipated from planned housing developments in the area. The report suggested that the new proposals would redirect motor traffic onto a purpose-built spine road, thereby reducing pressure on Crewe Lane and enhancing safety for pedestrians and cyclists. The proposals were also intended to improve safety at the junction of Glasshouse Lane/Knowle Hill, which has poor sightlines.

The report detailed that the proposals had been subject to public consultation, with 105 responses received. Two respondents objected to the proposed 30 mph speed limit, while 71 objections were received for the prohibition of motor vehicles. Common themes in the objections included concerns about reduced access, longer detours for motorists, and the potential for displaced traffic to cause congestion on other routes. The council's response to these objections highlighted that new roads would provide equivalent access and that the new spine road was designed to accommodate additional traffic.

The report also outlined a provisional timeline for the implementation of the orders, contingent on the completion of various highway works, including a new roundabout at the junction of Glasshouse Lane/Oakley Road/Stansfield Grove. The proposed timeline suggested the commencement of the 30 mph speed limit order in July 2026, with the prohibition of motor vehicles order potentially starting in June 2027, following the reopening of Dalehouse Lane and the construction of the new roundabout.

Financial implications noted that a Section 106 Highways Contribution of £600,871.05 from the Southcrest Farm housing development was secured for highway improvements. The report indicated that the implementation costs for the proposed orders were considered affordable within the current budget. Environmental implications suggested that the reduction in motor traffic would improve air quality and reduce congestion, while also helping to preserve Crewe Lane as a more natural environment.

The report pack also included appendices detailing plans of the proposed speed limit and prohibition of motor vehicles, the public notice, statutory criteria for making speed limit and traffic regulation orders, and a review of public consultation responses. The report was prepared by Alison Kennedy, Principal Transport Planner, and reviewed by David Ayton-Hill, Director of Transport & Economy, and Mark Ryder, Executive Director for Communities. The Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning was Councillor Stephen Shaw.