Police concerned as new speed limits approved in Oxfordshire

Highways chief Andrew Gant gave the green light to the 30 and 40mph rules in Long Wittenham and Shiplake near areas of Abingdon, Didcot and Henley at a cabinet member for transport management meeting on Thursday last week.

There were also new 30mph speed limits agreed for Ardley Road east of the B430 near Bicester and on Bloxham Road as well as Station Road.

READ MORE: Abingdon’s Friends kebab shop scores low food hygiene rating

Speaking at the meeting, Liberal Democrat Mr Gant, said: "There is this standard response from Thames Valley Police to all the speed limits on the agenda today that they do register an actual objection on the grounds that a sign-only scheme will have a limited effect.

Andrew Gant at the meeting. (Image: Oxfordshire County Council.)

"It is open to local communities to bring forward proposals for other measures as they see fit."

The force had said of a proposed 40mph rule in Long Wittenham: "Thames Valley Police welcomes the opportunity to engage on plans for road safety improvement.

"Compliance with new speed limits is a challenging issue as there is a difference between the achievable results of the various available schemes.

"For example a sign-only scheme will only have a limited effect on the mean speeds, as opposed to other schemes that influence the road environment, which is recognised as being key to achieving compliance.

Long Wittenham. (Image: Google Maps.)

"If a speed limit is set too low and is ignored then this could result in the vulnerable road user being less safe.

"It can also cause a disproportionate number of drivers to criminalise themselves and could bring the system of speed limits into disrepute."

In response, the county council said: "Speed surveys were carried out in November 2022, prior to this consultation being put forward.

"The results of the survey have, subsequently been shared with Thames Valley Police.

"The survey on the Long Wittenham Road had been positioned approximately halfway between the two villages, on a straight and therefore probably the fastest section of the road.

"Overall, and on balance, the proposals support and enhance the extents of the existing 20mph and 30mph speed limits and will complement the parish council’s ambition to encourage and form new routes for walking and cycling in the area."

The new limit for Shiplake will see extension of the existing 30mph speed limit in Reading Road northwards by an additional 44 metres.

Shiplake. (Image: Google Maps.)

This had been put forward due to development of land at the former Wyevale Garden Centre for residential purposes.

Responding to claims further extension would lead to "frustrated drivers", Mr Gant said: "It's being extended by 44m - a relatively small intervention."

He added it was "not the case" this would make "further redevelopment along the road more likely".