The 20mph transformation programme
We are rolling out 20mph areas as a replacement for 30mph areas where there is local support.
As part of our commitment to ‘Vision Zero’ (the elimination of deaths and life-changing injuries from road traffic collisions in Oxfordshire), since 2022 communities have been able to request the introduction of 20mph areas funded by the Council’s 20mph Transformation Programme.
Over 280 local councils applied for and now have 20mph speed limits in place, with the extent of each scheme reflecting the preferences of the local councils and their County Councillors.
Which areas are eligible?
To be eligible for 20mph, a scheme must be supported by the local town or parish council and the local County Councillor
and
be within the extent of the built-up environment of the town or village where vulnerable road users and vehicles mix in a frequent and planned manner
and
have an existing speed limit of no greater than 40mph – although exceptions are made where for historic reasons no local speed limit has previously been implemented within a village
and
be in an environment that explains and justifies a lower speed limit to the driver.
Read the full set of application criteria below.. If you would like to discuss a potential 20mph application, contact the 20mph team.
Full set of criteria
20mph criteria
20mph will be promoted following an assessment of the proposed location.
Locations must be:
a) Supported by local town or parish council and local county council elected member; and
b) Within the extent of the built-up environment of the village or town where vulnerable road users and vehicles mix in a frequent and planned manner (except where strong evidence exists that higher speeds are safe); and
c) Have an existing speed limit no greater than 40mph; and
d) In an environment that explains and justifies a lower speed limit to the driver including, but not limited to, the following environments:
- Where data shows incidences or identifies potential risks
- Have visible residential frontages
- Village settings with no pavements
- Have shop, service or business frontages
- Have a school or be on a school walking or cycling route
- Be on a designated cycling route
- Be in an area where greater active travel is or could be being promoted
- Have the ability to aid better air quality
- Have a “quiet lane” designation
- Have higher than expected volumes of traffic for the type of road
Where there is disagreement on the officer’s conclusion as to whether or not the above criteria is met, it will be referred to an appeals panel for the Cabinet Member for Highways Management to make the final decision.
The benefits of 20mph
Safer roads
Research by the UK Transport Research Laboratory has shown that every 1mph reduction in average urban speeds can result in a six percent fall in the number of casualties. It’s also been shown that you are seven times more likely to survive if you are hit by a car driving at 20mph, than if you are hit at 30mph. If a child suddenly steps in front of a car, you are much less likely to seriously injure or kill them if you keep to a 20mph limit.
Congestion
Research shows that slower speeds encourage a smoother driving style with less stopping and starting, which helps traffic to flow. Evidence from other areas shows that slower speeds encourage more people to walk and cycle.
Air pollution
Driving at 20mph causes some vehicular emissions to rise slightly (mainly Heavy Goods Vehicles) and some (car) to fall. Reduced acceleration and braking will help to reduce fuel consumption and the associated particulate emissions from items such as tyres and brakes.
Little impact on journey times
Research in other cities suggests that journey times do not significantly increase. Where proposals are requested on a bus route, the authority will work with the bus companies to assess the likely impact on bus journey times to enable a balanced approach.
Monitoring
Following completion of the implementation phase of the project at the end of the 2025-26 financial year, the council is evaluating its effect on vehicle speeds and safety, and also on the choice of travel modes; additionally, the views of the local councils participating in the project will be sought.
This information will be used to shape further work to achieve the best possible long-term outcome of the project. In some cases, if a limit is not judged to be working, a change to the speed limit may be proposed, including increasing a limit from 20mph to 30mph. Any such changes would be subject to further statutory consultation.
How motorists will know they are in a 20mph area
Signs and lines will be installed in line with the relevant traffic and road safety traffic signs manuals.
A county-wide marketing campaign will ensure that local residents are informed in advance if a new area is changing to 20mph.
20mph signs will mark the entrance and exit of a 20mph area where the speed limit changes. Smaller repeat signs and or road markings will supplement these signs.
Drivers of any vehicle should drive according to the Highway Code and as such, they should be aware of the speed limit they are currently in.