A headteacher believes new 20mph speed limits outside his school would make the journey to for pupils safer.

It comes as a consultation opened earlier this month into the review of 20mph speed limits in Bicester.

County and town councillors have indicated they support the prospect in principle but have told residents the scheme would only be brought in for areas that had the "support of the community”.

The consultation looks to “gauge resident’s initial views”  to help form the recommendations in the statutory consultation process.

The headteacher at the Cooper School, Robert Whanne, has backed calls to introduce the reduced speed limit outside his school.

He said: “At The Cooper School, we take the safety of our children and staff extremely seriously and so we are pleased to hear of the proposals to reduce the speed limit to 20mph in the area outside of our school.

“We feel it will make the journey to and from school safer for all members of our community.” 

Oxford Mail:

Chairman of Cherwell District Council, Les Sibley agreed that 20mph is "essential" for areas that have high levels of pedestrian footfall including schools as well as shopping and community areas.

He said:  “We need enhanced, safe and segregated footpaths and cycleways, particular for residents with mobility and visual disabilities.

“The roads themselves also need to be in a good state of repair free from potholes for all road users."

Oxford Mail: Les Sibley outside Bicester Magistrates' Court

Rachel Mallows, councillor for Bicester North, has revealed she has spoken to "many" parents about the issue.

She said: “It is important that everyone is consulted before these schemes are implemented, but it is also surprising that schools, shops, housing estates and other busy areas do not have this protection already.

“It has been proven, in Edinburgh for example, that lowering the speed limit reduces both the frequency and severity of accidents.

“ I am really pleased to see that dozens of other locations in Oxfordshire have already shown support for 20mph schemes.

“Many parents and residents have told me that speeding cars and road safety is something that really worries them and in the grand scheme of things it will have a miniscule effect on journey times.”

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Former Bicester headteacher and county councillor, Michael Waine, urged all Bicester residents to respond to the consultation.

He said: "It is vital that all Bicester residents act on the survey/consultation as we county councillors will be making our judgement and recommendations on the proposals based on their responses.

"We repeat our concern that strategic routes into the town and bus routes should remain at 30mph, but again will be ‘listening’ to the view of residents on this matter."

Chair of Bicester Bike Users’ Group, Catherine Hickman said: "There's no doubt that by lowering vehicle speeds, the risk of a fatal collision can be significantly reduced.

"We believe all residents deserve to be safe on all of our streets at all times, not just students travelling to and from school.

"We also believe that by encouraging slower speeds, more through traffic will be routed via the ring road rather than the town centre, making populated streets more pleasant for everyone."

The consultation will close at 5pm on Wednesday, February 28.