New 20mph signs in an estate have been met unenthusiastically by some locals who claim that they are redundant as the area is now a "racing circuit".

This comes amid emphasis from the county council on a "change in mindset" rather than law enforcement.

Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) approved the introduction of a 20mph speed limit in December 2022 for residential streets in the Ladygrove part of Didcot.

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One local, Ann Paterson, said: "OCC decided to spend £8 million on new 20mph signs which are clearly visible throughout the Ladygrove Estate.

"Brilliant - so we all thought.

"But they forgot to tell us none of these signs are monitored and as we no longer have community police officers, we now have a new dangerous racing area around the whole estate."

It was recommended that the cabinet member for environment approve proposals for a 20mph speed limit put forward for the area in October 2022 despite 24 of 42 responses from an online consultation objecting to the proposal.

Thames Valley Police expressed no objection but confirmed its stance that primarily 20mph speed limits and zones should be self-enforcing.

The council said: "Drivers of any vehicle should drive according to the Highway Code and, as such, they should be aware of the speed limit of the area they are in.

"Enforcement is a matter for the police but drivers have a responsibility to adhere to speed limits – whether that is 20mph or 30pmph.

"If they don’t, then they are breaking the law."

The council added that it was working with police to ensure "an emphasis on drivers adhering to the new limits through a change of mindset, rather than enforcement".

Oxford Mail: October 2022 proposals.October 2022 proposals. (Image: Oxfordshire County Council)

"It is hoped that as 20mph areas become more common, breaking the limit will become socially unacceptable for drivers," it said.

Changes to the area come as the council adjusts its approach and acceptance of 20mph restrictions, enabling a greater coverage across Oxfordshire.

Thames Valley Police said in October 2022: "There should be no expectation that the police would be able to provide regular enforcement if a speed limit is set too low as this could result in an unreasonable additional demand on police resources and there are no additional resources available to support extra enforcement."

But Ms Paterson claimed: "The favourite saying is - there are no funds available."

OCC concluded: "There is a clear link between the speed of traffic and the likelihood of accidents happening in which people are killed or injured.

"You are seven times more likely to survive if you are hit by a car driving at 20mph than if you are hit at 30mph."