The town of Wallingford in Oxfordshire has become the third 20mph pilot scheme in the county.

Oxfordshire County Council has completed the work in Wallingford Central as part of its plans to reduce the speed of the majority of the county’s 30mph roads to 20mph, where suitable and when supported by local residents.

It followed the installation of 20mph pilot schemes in Cuxham and Long Wittenham in 2021, with more pilot sites planned for Wallingford North and Kirtlington later this year.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Management, said, “Members of Wallingford Town Council enthusiastically embraced this project, so it was fantastic that they could join us at the unveiling to demonstrate how the 20mph scheme is being driven by communities. They understand that bringing the speed down opens up a wealth of possibilities to help make Wallingford a destination location where people want to spend time to shop, meet and relax. Together we are changing the pace and creating a better place.”

In October 2021, the council endorsed proposals to make it simpler, quicker and less cost prohibitive to lower speeds to 20mph on most urban areas and village streets.

Councillor Pete Sudbury, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment, said: “I’m looking forward to all roads round our homes and workplaces having safer speed limits.”

The council’s 2022/23 budget proposals include a programme of funding to support an expanded 20mph scheme.

The proposed scheme will be free to town and parish councils with the county council funding sign-only changes for areas wishing to be part of the changes as long as locations meet the agreed criteria for 20mph restrictions.

Town and parish councils will be expected to fund any extra engineered solutions or speed-activated signs that may be required to further reduce speeds in their local areas.

(Picture – Oxfordshire County Council – From to right, Cllr Marcus Harris, Mayor of Wallingford, Cllr Katharine Keats-Rohan, Wallingford Town Council, Cllr Pete Sudbury, Cabinet Member for climate change and environment at Oxfordshire County Council and Cllr Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Management)