Suburban streets could soon be made safer after councillors put their weight behind the introduction of new 20mph speed limit Home Zones, writes Matt Childe.

Home Zones are residential streets where the needs of children, pedestrians and cyclists are put above those of motorists.

The idea, included in the Government's transport White Paper last year, has now won the backing of Oxford city councillors.

Public consultation is to begin in the next few months on introducing the first Home Zones in the Fry's Hill area of Blackbird Leys and the Temple Road area of Cowley. John Tanner, leader of the city council, said: "We have agreed in principle that there should be Home Zones throughout Oxford once we have spoken to local people.

"They will be part of our continuing work to make residential streets safer places for children and cyclists."

The main features of Homes Zones are a 20mph speed limit, restricted parking, special signposts and changes to street design.

Motorists are expected to give an "informal priority" to other road users.

The first Homes Zones in Oxford will be in areas that already have traffic calming to reduce the speed of motorists.

Story date: Friday 30 April

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