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20mph limit plan moves forward
6:40pm Thursday 17th July 2008
Campaigners today welcomed plans to introduce 20mph limits on residential roads across Oxford.
Ian Hudspeth, the county council's cabinet member for transport, approved a report which proposes consulting residents on the new limits, which are likely to be introduced on a staggered basis.
But the report ruled out a blanket 20mph limit, which means the speed limits on arterial roads will remain at 30mph and 40mph.
Richard Bradley, a spokesman for the Life Begins at 20 group, said: "We're delighted that the council has decided to move forward and consult residents on bringing in 20mph limits.
"We would encourage the council to consult widely and include the young, the elderly, car drivers, cyclists, bus users and neighbourhood action groups.
"Lots of people have been pushing for this for some time and it's a bold move by the council to move to the next stage."
Simon Hunt, of cycling campaign group Cyclox, added: "We were sceptical that this would happen - we thought it was never-never land but everyone has kept going to make it happen and this will bring environmental and health benefits."
Graham Jones, a spokesman for High Street traders, welcomed the 20mph limit for residential roads but warned against "illogical" limits which could add to delivery problems faced by firms struggling with existing traffic restrictions.
Lord Mayor Susanna Pressel said the report was "not brave enough", adding that the 20mph limit should apply on arterial routes, because they were also residential roads.
Mr Hudspeth said: "This is the starting point and we want everyone to be able to give their views in consultation. We don't want to put a stranglehold on Oxford and we need to take into account the business community, so we have to be careful."
Campaigners have already succeeded in getting 20mph limits in some residential streets and parts of Banbury and Cowley roads.
Your Say YourOxford
DanOxford, says...
11:05pm Thu 17 Jul 08
No longer are drivers in Oxford to be allowed to use their abilities as responsible grown ups who have satisfied the requirements of a driving test and exercise their own judgement about safe driving speeds up to a Nationally approved 30mph limit, but will now be restriced to 20mph regardless of road size, condition or traffic conditions because a group of sanctimonious finger waggers have demonstrated that they know best.
This is not motivated by and nor will it improve safety or reduce accidents, but will increase driver frustration and take us another step towards Oxford's anti- car lobby's ideal of banning all cars and removing the freedom that goes with it.
Where does Lord Mayor Susanna Pressel live? Jericho.
This used to be a thriving, mixed community of local Oxford people (I still have photos of the street party for the Jubilee in 1977) now it's a haven for rich yuppies (witness the plans to scrap the boatyard to make way for yuppie flats)while the remaining Oxford families get pushed out to peripheral estates where they need a car to work, shop and get out.
NuLabour politicians like Ms Pressel no longer represent nor care about local, working British people, but make sure their bed is feathered while reducing our freedoms 'for our own good'.
Sickening.
DanOxford, says...
11:09pm Thu 17 Jul 08
Cllr Susanna Pressel
Ward:
Jericho And Osney
Political party:
Labour
Additional information:
Educated at Summerville College, Oxford. Services in which particularly interest - leisure, environment, health, countryside and culture. Enjoys reading, listening to music, gardening, yoga and playing pool for the County
Well there you have it- Oxford University educated, able to live in Jericho within cycling distance of shops, restaurants, rail links, coach station etc.
Who could argue that Ms Pressel does not adequately represent the views of the average car user in Oxford?
DanOxford, says...
11:14pm Thu 17 Jul 08
Phil Gale wrote:A 'Five Year Plan' ? Hmm.. now where have I heard that term before?
Can there be a guaranteed five-year review? If the reduced speed limit does not significantly cut the number of serious injuries, can we be freed from the mess that is going to be speed limit signs at the end of nearly every road in Oxford?
No- don't help me... stern looking bloke with a moustache... against personal freedom and individuality...Russ
ian...fondness for bossing people around... part of a powerful elite that presided over a disenfranchised population denied basic rights and freedoms for 'the collective good'... I'll get it...any minute...
Your sayYourOxford
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Phil Gale, Oxford says...
8:07pm Thu 17 Jul 08