Motorists react as more 20mph limits approved in Oxfordshire

In February 2022, Oxfordshire was approved funding of up to £8m to deliver 20mph zones, meaning these costs don’t come out of town or parish councils.

As part of Oxfordshire’s commitment to ‘Vision Zero’, communities are able to request the introduction of 20mph areas.

The county council has recently approved the decision to extend the existing 20mph speed limit on Old Road in Forest Hill between Headington and Wheatley near Oxford.

The council has also approved the decision to introduce a 20mph speed limit in Brightwell Baldwin near Wallingford as part of the Vision Zero project.

The county council says the scheme will make the roads safer and will encourage a smoother driving style with less stopping and starting.

It also says reduced acceleration and braking will help to reduce fuel consumption.

But, it seems most motorists disagree with the changes, arguing for the severe impact it could have for some.

One objection from Dave Finch said: “As a motorcycle rider I think this so dangerous.

“In cold weather a motorcycle rider needs a flow of cold air into their helmet to stop the visor steaming.

“At 20mph the motorcycle rider has to open up their visor to see where they are going.”

Another objection from Penny-Anne Payne said: “Back to the Dark Ages. Surprised they don’t bring back the red flag with a person walking in front with it.

“But then if the people who voted for these clowns are happy when it takes so long to get where they are going, why care?

“This money should being spent on things like potholes.”

READ MORE: All of Oxfordshire’s speed limit changes

Graham Gray also criticised the plans and said: “Nobody wants them. They are using more fuel, because vehicles are stuck in second gear and causing vast amounts of pollution, diesel buses break down more and its costly to replace the diesel emission equipment that the council must pay for.”

But some motorists agreed with the limits being implemented and the benefits safer roads could have.

Supporter Adam Brookes said: “It’s rather funny.

“Anyone who totally loses it over a few traffic restrictions is really not fit to be driving anyway.”

And Paul Williams said: “This makes no difference in Banbury. You are in traffic jam or driving around craters.”

Tony Brett, who stood to be a councillor in Oxford in the local elections this month, said: “Well the council was elected in a fair and lawful ballot.

Tony Brett

“On that basis it gets to decide what’s going to happen.

“Consultation is not a democratic process.

“It is designed to enable small tweaks, not policy change.”