Oxfordshire police say 'speed cameras don't work at 20mph'

Thames Valley's police and crime commissioner Matthew Barber and chief constable Jason Hogg were grilled about the 20mph areas across the county during an Annual Crime and Disorder Meeting held at the end of July.

Oxfordshire County Council is rolling out 20mph areas as a replacement for 30mph areas "where there is local support".

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20mph. (Image: Other.)

Green councillor Robin Bennett asked Mr Barber and chief constable Jason Hogg how it makes sure people follow 20mph rules.

Mr Bennett said: "Oxfordshire has had a very successful rollout of 20mph across the majority of villages and towns.

"It’s sometimes said to us as councillors, 'oh the police don’t enforce that' – can you just – yes or no – do you enforce 20mph."

Responding, Mr Hogg said the sentiment "isn't true" and it "really affects people's trust, in our communities".

He added: "What is true is our fixed speed cameras do not work at 20mph."

(L-R): Chief superintendent, police and crime commissioner, chief constable. (Image: Oxfordshire County Council.)

The policing boss said the way to enforce limits was through speed guns and there were "2,000 volunteers across our force from speed watch".

He insisted "we do enforcement" but "we can't just deploy those fixed cameras in the same way".

Conservative councillor Liam Walker, who appeared amused by Mr Bennett's initial question, said after the meeting: "The chief's view backs up what many of us told the coalition years ago that simply changing signs is expensive and won’t necessarily reduce speeds."

Responding to Mr Hogg, Mr Bennet said: "Is there any availability of cameras that would pick up 20mph?"

The police chief said: "Yes there is but it would need a reinvestment."

Mr Hogg referenced a "big national review" adding "on its own I haven't seen strong evidence that it (20mph signs) slows people down".

Mr Bennett (L) and Mr Walker (R). (Image: Oxfordshire County Council.)

Mr Bennett said: "We all understand it’s a partnership thing and not just putting up a sign – I think we all understand that."

The discussion comes as 20mph has proved controversial among those who believe it is unnecessary.

An Oxfordshire County Council spokesman said: "Officers will work with local bodies to establish the best methods for ensuring compliance within their areas.

"The introduction of 20mph in our 2021/2022 pilot areas has already reduced speeds by up to four mph. 

"This has really benefitted the local communities and it will help to reduce the frequency and severity of accidents."

In consultation responses to 20mph, Thames Valley Police will often either list 'Object' or 'Concerns' as its answer, saying: "Where the speed limit is set too low there should be no expectation that the police would be able to provide regular enforcement."

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About the author

Noor is the Local Democracy Reporter for Oxfordshire who covers political stories from across the county. 

She began working as a journalist in Oxford in September 2023 having graduated from the University of Oxford.

Noor was trained at the News Associates journalism school and can be found on X through the handle @NoorJQurashi