OXFORD will become only the second city in Britain to introduce 20mph speed limits on almost all of its residential roads after a “historic” decision for the city.

Oxfordshire County Council’s transport supremo Ian Hudspeth today approved a £300,000 scheme which will see a swathe of new 20mph speed limits become law in August.

Work on the scheme will begin in July, with 1,450 new signs put up in residential roads.

But the majority of Oxford’s main routes such as the Botley, Woodstock and Iffley roads, will keep 30mph limits.

Road safety campaigners had called for a blanket 20mph zone across the entire city.

They argued the city’s main roads were the source of most road accidents and the new system would create confusion for drivers having to cope with two different speed limits.

However, they welcomed the move which they believed would give the streets of Oxford back to the people.

Richard Bradley, co-ordinator of the campaign group Life begins at 20, which fought a two-year campaign for reduced speed limits, said: “This is a historic day for Oxford. Eventually we will gain a safer, quieter environment with less people driving, less pollution and better communities.”

Sybil Sheringham Dibdin, 57, whose 14-year-old daughter Emma was seriously injured after being hit by a car in Headley Way, Headington in 2002, said: “It’s a fantastic achievement.

“Pedestrians and cyclists should be prioritised over cars.

“I can’t help imagining with a 20mph speed limit that my daughter’s accident might not have happened.”

Mr Hudspeth said: “We are looking at being at the forefront of transport changes.

“This will make sure the car isn’t dominating the street and people in residential areas feel safer and more secure.

“I want the perception of drivers to be that Oxford is a 20mph city and even when they go on to a major road where the speed limit is higher their speed will be reduced.”

cwalker@oxfordmail.co.uk