New speed limits are likely to be coming to residential streets in Reading if changes are given the go-ahead.
Discussion has taken place about 20mph zones along some of the streets in the Oxford Road area, which is home to thousands of residents.
While Oxford Road itself would not be reduced, Reading Borough Council’s highways team has devised reduced speed limits and traffic calming measures for eight roads located nearby.
Proposals involve installing speed humps and speed cushions in various locations in the area.
The highways team has also devised a more complex proposal for the junction of Grovelands Road, Brisbane Road and Waverley Road, which involves installing tactile paving, an island protecting parked cars and parking and bus stop changes.
All of these changes must go to a statutory consultation which was recently approved by the council’s traffic management sub-committee.
Councillor Wendy Griffith (Labour, Battle) thanked previous Battle and Norcot Labour councillors for campaigning to implement the new limits.
She said: “This one is a very long time in coming; discussions began before I was elected as a councillor, I know a lot of work went on before I became a councillor.
“Residents are really keen on this one, I’ve spoken to many residents who are very pleased about ’20 is Plenty’ in our area.
“There is a lot of speeding down short roads and wing mirrors being lost and all sorts, so if we can deal with that, that would be great.
“I know that Norcot and Battle councillors will be doing as much as we can to ensure that we get as many people responding to the consultation.
“Cyclists, children, the visually impaired, those with issues around mobility, all road users will benefit from safer streets if we go forward with this.”
The proposals were also supported by the opposition.
Cllr Meri O’Connell (Liberal Democrats, Tilehurst) said: “We’re very supportive of 20 is Plenty across the town.
“Reading was built at a time when transport was different, and these roads were not made for those things.
“I can’t imagine anyone really complaining about this if they are a local person, whether you walk or use the car, because the people speeding slow down the overall speeds anyway, so, yep, great idea, really glad it’s here.”
Cllr Jacqueline Dominguez (Green, Abbey) argued the lower speeds could encourage people to take up cycling.
She said: “I don’t ride a bike because I’m too scared to ride a bike in the town centre, so I think it’s going to make more people get a bike and use that and use more sustainable transport.
“This is a good start, I’d like to see the same across all residential roads in Reading.”
Councillors unanimously agreed to a statutory consultation at the meeting on September 10.
The project would cost £375,000, with £200,000 already allocated and £175,000 coming from developer contributions from the Battle Hospital development.
