An informal consultation has opened into the review of 20mph speed limits but some residents have said they would not welcome them on an "ideological basis".
Bicester is currently witnessing an ongoing informal consultation from the county council which is to be referenced to "refine proposals" for the potential scheme later this year.
A "change in mindset" rather than enforcement is the approach favoured by the council, though officers do work alongside Thames Valley Police in legal enforcement of speed limits.
READ MORE: Oxford services: Car broken into with passports stolen
Bicester Town councillor, Nick Mawer, said: "I welcome 20mph as a limit for roads in housing estates.
"This is not just safer for people but it should also be safer for pets.
"I welcome 20mph outside schools as well."
But the Conservative added: "I do not welcome a blanket imposition of 20mph limits on an ideological basis."
Mr Mawer went on to say he had "personal experience of the inconvenience and upset the limits caused in Wales.
"Bus companies have re-routed or cancelled services citing new 20mph restrictions as a reason."
Councillor Donna Ford added: "It’s imperative that limits are only installed where a desire is reflected in the consultation results.
"I support community-led decision making which is why I’ve worked hard to get an informal consultation before the official plans are drawn up for formal consultation and am trying to reach as many people as possible to get the whole town's thoughts."
The informal consultation into 20mph speed limits went live on December 20 and will run until February 28.
When asked how it had gone about spreading awareness of the consultation, a council spokesman stated that details had been published in Bicester Town Council's Garth Gazette newsletter.
They added: "This is an informal consultation which will be used by officers to refine their proposals prior to the scheme going out to statutory/formal consultation later this year."
Changes come in the context of a county-wide initiative to change the default speed limit from 30mph to 20mph in areas where there is local support.
Town councillor Tom Beckett had said, prior to launch of the consultation: "My view is that 20mph speed limits should be brought into Bicester so as to facilitate safer roads for pedestrians and cyclists.
"There have been a number of pedestrians hit on Churchill Road.
"Car users dominate roads in Bicester travelling often over 30mph."
Once residents and parish or town councils apply for the speed limits in their areas to be changed, the county council assesses the need.
Factors such as the number of people seriously injured or killed and the number of pedestrians crossing the roads are taken into account.
Mr Mawer concluded: "The sensible approach is only to install 20mph zones where local residents want them and travel times for others will not be seriously affected.
"We consult with local residents on parking restrictions, so why not on 20mph zones."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel