The council has announced that the current speed limit outside of King's School on Wrexham Road will be reduced from 40mph to 30mph.  

Following the death of 11-year-old Evan Rothwell on 12 November 2024, an independent review was commissioned on behalf of the council.

The outcome of the review confirmed that the current 40mph speed limit on Wrexham Road had been 'set appropriately and in accordance with national guidance provided by the Department for Transport', and that 'the design of the junction is adequate'. 

However, having considered all the information and having regard to the public opinion, which has been expressed through petitions and communications, the review provided a basis to consider a lower speed limit of 30mph. 

The council has now decided to implement a lower speed limit. 

Relevant agencies, including the police, have been informed of this intention and have offered their support. 

Cheshire West and Chester Council will implement a 30mph speed limit using an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) for an initial period of 18-months from March 2025. 

An ETRO is quicker to implement than a permanent legal order and allows time for the local community and other road users to contribute to the consultation to allow the Council to assess the impact of a change of speed limit. 

Evan Rothwell, of Chester, was struck by a grey Nissan Qashqai outside of the Kings School, Chester, at around 5.12pm on Tuesday 12 November.

Officers and paramedics quickly attended, with Evan being taken to Alder Hey Hospital via air ambulance after initial treatment at the scene.

Despite the best efforts of those involved, Evan passed away at the hospital on Saturday 16 November.

The review also highlighted a number of matters of concern relating to driver behaviour and congestion caused by traffic seeking to access King's School.

In a statement released by the council, it said: "Cheshire West and Chester Council continues to extend their condolences to the family and friends of Evan Rothwell.

"We have been fully supporting and co-operating with Cheshire Police's enquiries into the incident and will continue to do so. 

"The council continues to work closely with Cheshire Police and with the King's School to seek to address those matters. 

"Although the council is the Highway Authority with responsibility for Wrexham Road, it does not have any power or authority to enforce road traffic infringements which is a matter solely for Cheshire Police. 

"The council's responsibility as the Highways Authority is to put measures in place to keep our roads as safe as possible for all users of the highways network. 

"This is a responsibility we share with the police, local businesses, schools and our communities.

"We will continue to work with all agencies and partners to improve road safety for all road users in this location."