Speed limits
A guide to how speed limits are set, and how to request a new limit in your area.
Speed limits can be an emotive subject. Excessive speed is one of the main causes of road casualties in Britain. People want lower speed limits where they live, yet many still drive too fast generally.
We are committed to reducing the number of people killed and injured in road accidents and improving conditions for all road users, including vulnerable groups such as pedestrians and cyclists. Appropriate speed limits can help us achieve this.
Who sets speed limits?
- The Department for Transport (DfT) sets limits on motorways and trunk roads, and also sets the 'default' limits which apply to all roads - these are 70mph on dual carriageways, 60mph on single carriageways and 30mph where street lighting is provided. It also issues general advice on setting speed limits on other roads
- We are responsible for setting the limits on all other roads in the county
How are speed limits introduced?
A Traffic Regulation Order is needed to set a limit that differs from the 'default', including 30mph limits where there is no street lighting. They are also needed to set a limit higher than 30mph where there is street lighting. We have to consult extensively when making a Traffuc Regulation Order to check that the proposed limit has overall support from the community.
Once approved, signs have to be provided to show the start and end of the limit and also in most cases 'repeater' signs are required within the limit.
How often do we review speed limits?
A major review of speed limits in villages was carried out between 1999 and 2003 which led to a large number of new limits to address community concerns over speeds. Accident problem sites and routes are regularly reviewed and lower limits may be identified as a way to improve safety.
We review requests for changed limits from members of the public and parish and town councils, although unless there are safety problems or changed circumstances (for example new development) it is difficult to fund these given other pressures on our budgets.
In 2006 the Department for Transport set a requirement for local authorities to carry out a comprehensive review of all speed limits in their area, and issued revised guidance on the setting of speed limits. The review is to be completed by 2011. The County Council will be carrying out this work within this period.
What is an appropriate speed limit?
- 20mph limits and zones may be appropriate in areas with high numbers of levels of pedestrians or cyclists (for example in town centres and shopping areas, and in residential areas or by schools)
- 30mph limits are the norm for towns and villages
- 40mph limits are typically used in less built up areas (for example at the edge of larger villages and towns)
- 50mph limits are mainly used on more rural roads with a poor accident rate
How do I request a limit?
Contact your Town or Parish Council (which may already have requested a limit or may wish to do so for you) or your Area Office:
All highway enquiries: 0845 310 11 11
In West Oxfordshire, Cherwell and Oxford City:
Northern Area Office
Oxfordshire County Council
Ron Groves House
23 Oxford Road, Kidlington
OX5 2BP
Fax: 01865 848075
Email the Northern Area Office
In South Oxfordshire and The Vale of White Horse
Southern Area Office
Oxfordshire County Council
Milton Road, Drayton
OX14 4EZ
Fax: 01235 528991
Email the Southern Area Office
Next steps
We will assess your request to see if it conforms to our current guidance. If it does we will assess and prioritise it but unfortunately there are many competing demands for our limited resources so even if the request conforms with policy, it may take several years to provide a speed limit.
Back to top
