HOUSEHOLDERS on Oxford’s largest estate say speeding bus drivers are putting people’s lives in danger.

Parish councillors in Blackbird Leys have written to Stagecoach and the Oxford Bus Company after complaints drivers were breaking the 20mph limit.

The new speed limit was rolled out across the city in September last year and cost Oxfordshire County Council £300,000.

Parish council chairman Gordon Roper said: “We wrote to the bus companies to inform them that their drivers were seen breaking the speed limit of 20mph.

“We could see they were going over 20mph. The limit is for everyone. It’s the odd one or two drivers doing it and we don’t want it to become a problem.

“It seems to be an issue in Field Avenue and part of Pegasus Road. Field Avenue has no speed humps.”

Mr Roper said at least five residents had contacted him claiming buses were breaking the limit and other councillors had noticed the problem too.

He said someone could be killed or injured if buses continue to speed.

Mr Roper added: “With all the parked cars, it’s more or less single lane traffic. If you have a kid step out in front of a bus, they won’t be able to get back.”

Stagecoach spokesman Chris Child said it had issued a notice to staff stressing the importance of operating at low speeds and abiding by the law.

He added: “Safety of passengers, pedestrians and other road users is a top priority.”

Oxford Bus Company operations director Louisa Weeks said: “We have our own speed gun and regularly monitor our vehicles. With so many speed humps and parked cars in the area it would be hard to go much faster than 20mph.”