Calls for Lower Speed Limit Rejected in Reading

A neighbour's push to cut the speed limit on the A4 Bath Road has been rejected.

Chris Giles, of Fords Farm, Calcot, has campaigned after Stephen Allen, 64, was hit and died on 26 November 2025 near the Lidl on Bath Road. Giles has raised questions with both Reading and West Berkshire councils and spoke virtually at West Berkshire Council on 15 October.

Mr Giles said: "Following the fatal crash that occurred last November, will the council urgently review safety measures on the Bath Road between the M4 Junction 12 and Burghfield Road, including consideration of a reduced speed limit to 30mph, enforcing speed limits, improved on- and off-road signage, and enhanced street lighting, with urgent attention to tree ingress?"

He also asked: "In addition, will the council commit to arranging an urgent multi-agency site meeting with relevant stakeholders to consider pedestrian and cyclist safety, including the use of footpaths, speed management, and signage."

Councillor Stuart Gourley (Liberal Democrats, Newbury Clay Hill), the executive portfolio holder for highways, said: "Following the tragic accident on the Reading West Berkshire boundary, both councils and Thames Valley Police undertook a joint investigation of the incident to understand how it occurred, and what measures might be necessary to help prevent similar incidents in the future."

He added: "All aspects of the highway were looked at, including road surface condition, footway provision and condition, street lighting levels, road signage and lining, as well as speed limits."

"As a result of the investigation, there were a number of recommendations made within the Reading Borough side, which they immediately addressed."

"There were no observations made at the time at the West Berkshire side."

"However, since the incident, we have undertaken measures to deal with the vegetation growth along the A4 corridor as a preventative measure."

"There are no plans to change or alter the current speed limit along the A4 as a result of the investigation into the incident, especially as excessive or inappropriate speed was not considered a contributory factor in the incident itself."

In a follow-up, Mr Giles asked: "Why is there no accountability for speed enforcement, road safety and accident reporting on the Bath Road between the M4 and Reading boundary?"

Cllr Gourley replied: "I do believe there is that accountability."

He continued: "Enforcement of speed is a Thames Valley Police role and job, and we are there to support and provide the highways that they require to do that on, and I think I've articulated that both Reading and West Berkshire Council have made any changes needed to those road conditions and road layout."

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter