New 20 mph speed limits on almost all residential roads in Oxford came into force on September 1.
Why 20mph limits?
20mph limits in Oxford were introduced:
to increase safety levels and help reduce accidents.
to improve the environment and quality of life for pedestrians, cyclists and residents
to encourage more people to walk and cycle to reduce congestion and pollution, and to improve health
Consultation
Previous consultations demonstrated support for proposals to place 20mph speed limits on most roads in Oxford, so earlier this year, we asked you which roads you thought should be included.
The consultation ended on 5 March. After considering all responses, Oxfordshire County Council decided to approve a plan to introduce 20mph speed limits. This happened in April 2009, in the same week that the government said it wanted to see similar schemes introduced elsewhere in the country.
almost all residential minor roads within the city (excluding North Hinksey and Botley)
un-numbered through-roads, except where they are part of heavily-used bus routes into the city
some sections of the main A roads and the B road network where there are busy shopping areas particularly in the city centre
There were already a number of 20mph zones and limits in Oxford, and these were incorporated into the wider project. Supporting measures may be required at some minor road locations to get speeds to an acceptable level.
Why doesn't it include all roads?
The plan reflect the need for limits to be realistic. 20mph limits are unlikely to be appropriate where existing average speeds are above 24mph unless supporting measures to help reduce speed are introduced such as traffic calming, signing/information, publicity or education.
How are main roads affected?
Most major roads remain at 30mph to keep the limits realistic as they are unlikely to reduce speeds significantly without extensive traffic calming measures.
Radial routes such as the following are not included:
Abingdon Road
Banbury Road (either side of Summertown)
Woodstock Road
Botley Road beyond Abbey Road
London Road either side of Brookes/Headington Shops
Iffley Road beyond Temple Street
Routes around the city that are also not part of the limit include:
the ring road
Oxpens Road/Thames Street
Marston Ferry Road
Donnington Bridge Road
The Botley, Cumnor and North Hinksey areas are not included in any 20mph plans as people from those areas had already stated that they did not want to be part of the proposal.
Is my street included?
The plan includes all minor residential roads, most through roads, and some sections of major roads.
What about enforcement?
While it is a legal limit and the police have powers to enforce it, the speed limit is designed to be self-enforcing given limited police resources. Compliance is largely achieved by the natural environment, additional physical calming where necessary, permanent and temporary signs, and a change in behavioural patterns over time as drivers recognise the safety and other benefits that come from lower speeds.
Are there lots more signs?
There are entry signs wherever the limit changes (i.e. double-sided signs wherever a side road limit is different to the major route) and smaller 'repeater' signs within the limit. Clutter has been minimised by, for example, placing repeater signs on lamp columns. Also, where 20 limits cover parts of some major roads, entry signs for associated side roads are not needed.
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