SPEED limits of 40mph on all roads through wooded areas of the Forest have been mooted by a task group charged with cutting road deaths.

It seems likely the recommendations have a serious chance of being implemented – however, the 40mph limit is advisory only.

This means it is not enforceable in law, but the Forest of Dean Area Speed Limit Task Group says a similar system has been successfully introduced in the Cannock Chase area of Staffordshire.

County councillor Shaun Parsons, who chairs the task group, said: "It would not be the same as a statutory speed limit, but there would be signs on the roadside which we hope would encourage motorists not to go above 40 mph.

"It's an approach that appears to have worked well on Cannock Chase in Staffordshire, which is a similar area to the Forest of Dean.

"There is little doubt that the dangers to the motorist are significantly heightened by the enclosed nature of the roads in the central Forest area and the presence of wild animals, particularly fallow deer, and free roaming sheep."

There are a number of other recommendations from the group, which has been looking at ways of reducing the high casualty rate among mainly young drivers in recent years. It is also proposing a major education programme to raise awareness of the dangers posed by deer and sheep and to persuade motorists to drive more slowly.

It is also calling for a review of the speed limits along the A4136 which falls outside the central area.

The task group took evidence from the Forest MP, local councillors and a large number of local organisations including the Forestry Commission, the Verderers' Court, Gloucestershire Police, the Youth Parliament and the Time and Place road safety charity.

"This has been an excellent example of a wide range of interested groups coming forward to give evidence to a scrutiny inquiry set up by the county council, and with the unhappy record of accidents involving young people in the Forest of Dean I was particularly pleased that a Member of the Youth Parliament was able to come to one of our meetings", said Cllr Parsons.

If implemented speed limits will be monitored at three months and 12 months. 

Gloucestershire County Council's Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee is looking at the report this week.