20mph Speed Limits Proposed for Reading Streets

New 20mph limits could be introduced on residential streets around Oxford Road in Reading if plans go ahead.

Oxford Road itself would not be reduced, but Reading Borough Council's highways team has proposed lower limits and traffic calming on eight nearby roads, including speed humps and speed cushions.

A more complex plan for the Grovelands Road, Brisbane Road and Waverley Road junction would add tactile paving, an island to protect parked cars, and changes to parking and bus stops.

The traffic management sub-committee approved a statutory consultation, which councillors unanimously agreed at a meeting on 10 September.

Councillor Wendy Griffith thanked previous councillors and 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."

The proposals were backed by the opposition. Cllr Meri O'Connell said: "We're very supportive of 20 is Plenty across the town."

Cllr Jacqueline Dominguez (Green, Abbey) 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."

The project would cost £375,000, with £200,000 already allocated and £175,000 coming from developer contributions from the Battle Hospital development.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter