New 20mph speed limits approved for Oxfordshire villages

Andrew Gant, cabinet member for transport, gave the green light to the restrictions for the villages of North Leigh, Yarnton, Charlton-on-Otmoor, Chesterton, Cottisford, Middle Aston and Over Norton.

The county council says it is rolling out 20mph speed limits as a replacement for 30mph in areas "where there is local support".

20mph. (Image: Oxford Mail.)

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Speaking out at the meeting, objector Ben Knighton raised concerns over the "economic" and "time cost" of the limits in Yarnton.

But he was cut short in his speech as a result of time restrictions allocated to registered speakers.

Mr Knighton said: "Excuse me I've had to wait two and a half hours and you want me to shut up.

Andrew Gant (left) (Image: Oxfordshire County Council.)

"That's a dismissal to my objection similar to the dismissal by the officer who responded."

Mr Gant said: "I'm not shutting you up. I'm just reminding you what the rules in our constitution say."

The tension comes as Mr Gant pressed ahead with approval of the 20mph speed limit for North Leigh despite objection from the local councillor and concern from officers and the parish council.

County councillor Liam Walker spoke out against the 20mph approval despite having initially endorsed the project after results of an informal consultation appeared to show public support.

Mr Walker said: "We opted to go forward on the basis we felt there was quite strong support.

"In hindsight that was probably the wrong decision.

Liam Walker spoke out at the meeting. (Image: Oxfordshire County Council.)

"My job is to represent the views of the residents and they've now twice told me they don’t want 20mph in the village so I have to do my bit.

"If I’m being completely blunt, as usual – I am the county councillor, I am the lead member in that area so essentially I put my name to this and as Paul (officer) said, I’m now removing it."

Two officers in the meeting advised Mr Gant to defer the decision on the limits.

Paul Fermer, director of highways and operations, said: "Councillor Liam Walker is essentially retracting local support.

"We've not come across this before.

"Be very mindful of new information that has come to light.

Paul Fermer (right). (Image: Oxfordshire County Council.)

"I think it would be pertinent to defer the item."

Another officer, Anthony Kirkwood, said: "I support the proposal to defer the decision.

"I think it would be really helpful to go through this process of further engagement."

Mr Fermer later said he was "comfortable either way".

But Mr Gant said: "The job of this consultation is to test against policy. That is what we are here to do.

"Not to go back to the start and say have you changed your mind.

"A consultation is an opportunity for people to say what they think and the responsibility of people they’re saying it to, namely, me, is to read it and assess it and work out if it agrees with policy."

All the proposed limits were approved.