A WATERSPORTS centre is leading a campaign to get the speed limit on a stretch of road reduced after one of its staff was killed when arriving for work.

Robert Hoy, a sailing instructor at Waterland Outdoor Pursuits, died as a result of injuries he suffered when his car collided with another vehicle travelling the other direction at around 8am on June 25, as he was turning into the centre on Spratsgate Lane, Shorncote.

The centre believes that his death could have been prevented if the speed limit was reduced from 60 mph to 30mph and is leading a campaign to get Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) to change it.

The request has been backed by councillor Shaun Parsons, who has contacted the council to ask that it reduces the speed limit and introduces signs to ask people to watch their speed.

Peter Pendlebury, health and safety officer at Waterland, said: “We have been here since 1998 and the problem has been going on since then.

“There have been many accidents on this road.

“Robert was not only one of my colleagues, but he was also a friend.”

Mr Pendlebury said he had researched stopping distances and believed that a reduction in speed would prevent accidents.

“At a speed limit of 60mph the stopping distance is 72 metres and gives little chance for you to stop. At 30 mph the stopping distance is 23 metres.

Richard Gray, local highways manager from GCC said: “Our sympathy is with anyone affected by this tragic incident. A thorough investigation is currently being carried out and it wouldn’t be appropriate for us to speculate at this time.”

Councillor Shaun Parsons said: “A sign alerts people and gives much more warning to what is going on – they would warn any drivers to slow down.”

Do you agree that action needs to be taken to prevent accidents on the road?

Send your views to bmc@wiltsglosstamdard.co.uk