A 20mph speed limit has been approved in a village near Wantage despite objections from two bus companies that it will affect services.

Thames Travel claimed parts of the speed reduction in East Hanney would slow its vehicles and force customers to use alternative forms of travel.

Stagecoach added that the proposals were not “well justified” or “likely to be effective.”

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Nevertheless, the speed limit in the village was approved by Cllr Andrew Gant, cabinet member for highways management at Oxfordshire County Council.

The decision is part of the county council’s three-year scheme to introduce 20mph speeds as the new 30mph for communities where there is local support.

Speed reductions for West Hanney and West Challow were approved at the same meeting.

In Wantage, a consultation will be launched “in the very near future”, according to a spokesman for the county council.

In February, the county council was forced to put its plans for 20mph limits in Abingdon on hold after it was opposed by Oxford Bus Company

In East Hanney, the bus companies’ objections to the 20mph scheme were centred on how it would affect the Oxford Bus Company X1 and Stagecoach S9 services.

Both raised concerns - but not objections - about reducing the speed on a section of the A338 between Steventon Road and the north of the village.

However, Thames Travel objected to a section of Summertown, from the junction of the A338 to just before the right-hand bend into the village, being part of the scheme.

A spokesman said: “It is important that buses are able to make progress where it is safe for them to do so.

“Whilst the section of road we propose remains at 30mph is modest, unlike a private motorist that may typically go along the road once in each direction in a day our buses operate along Summertown up to 34 times a day in each direction and so the impact is that much greater

“Slowing journeys makes services less attractive to passengers and would serve to encourage negative modal shift from public transport to private motor vehicles, which is contrary to the council's policies.”

Vale of White Horse district councillor Sally Povolotsky, who represents East Hanney, welcomed representatives from Thames Travel to visit the village.

She said: “I would welcome whoever is responding from Thames Travel to come and see our streets in person and see the housing there and feel the speed caused by buses and freight vehicles.

“They could also stand in the front gardens of residents who face the A338 and deal with these speeds every day or sit in the garden of the legion club which faces on to Summertown.

“Do you know what? I’ll even buy them a coffee.”