Residents in Bladon have welcomed the announcement of a 20mph speed limit in the village.

The reduced speed limit by approved by Oxfordshire County Council at a meeting on Thursday.

The proposals would help encourage walking and cycling within Bladon by making them safer and more attractive, said the council.

A public consultation showed narrow support for the measures.

There were 60 responses with 31 supporting, 28 objecting and one expressing concerns.

As well as the county council's public consultation, Bladon Parish Council surveyed residents on implementing 20mph in the village, including identifying the proposed zone where the limit is most needed.

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Its survey in May 2022 demonstrated that Bladon residents supported 20mph in the zone that the county council proposed.

Ashley Vine, vice-chair, Bladon PC, said: "Over the course of the past two years, we have leafleted the village, put 20mph at the top of the agenda for our parish neetings, and included a regular slot in our parish council meetings for residents to give us their thoughts.

"Neighbouring villages will of course have their views, with the OCC consultation open to anyone who wants to comment."

But he said the parish council hoped that OCC would support the views of Bladon’s residents.

The speed limit changes in Bladon were supported by Andy Graham, Lib Dem councillor representing the Woodstock division.

Stagecoach Bus Company and West Oxfordshire District Council raised no objections.

Thames Valley Police reiterated their views concerning OCC’s policy and practice regarding 20mph speed limits and wished their response to be listed as ‘having concerns’ rather than an objection.

Funding for consultation and the proposals themselves has been provided by the County Council’s 20mph Speed Limit Project where 20mph is becoming the new 30mph for communities where there is local support.

Witney chose to become the first town in Oxfordshire to introduce 20mph speed limits in all residential areas, which became enforceable on Monday November 14.

More than half of people who took part in a consultation about the proposals objected to the new limits.

Of the 288 online responses, only 93 supported the scheme.

 

 

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This story was written by Miranda Norris, she joined the team in 2021 and covers news across Oxfordshire as well as news from Witney.

Get in touch with her by emailing: Miranda.Norris@newsquest.co.uk. Or find her on Twitter: @Mirandajnorris

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