15th April 2006

Greens call for 20mph limits on all residential roads: 20 is Plenty.

In the light of the recent survey by the Oxford Mail - which caught almost half of drivers speeding - the Greens have renewed calls for the introduction of 20mph speed limits in residential streets throughout the City.

Green City and County Councillors have written to County Councillor David Robertson, transport portfoilio holder, requesting an extension of existing 20mph zones.

The email to Cllr Robertson highlights the inconsistency of the current situation where some main roads, such as the Cowley Road, are 20mph whereas the neighbouring residential streets are still 30mph.

Says Cllr Craig Simmons, the County and City Councillor for the area including the Cowley Road: "What we have now is a pigs-ear of a scheme which confuses drivers and does residents no favours. Some main roads are 20mph and the residential side streets are 30mph. This actually encourages drivers to divert down side roads - so much for joined-up thinking."

Says Cllr Sushila Dhall, "The County talks about a transport hierarchy which prioritises pedestrians and cyclists. But here we have a policy which seems to put vulnerable road users in direct conflict with cars."