Reading Set for 20mph Speed Limit Changes

A major overhaul of road rules will see 20mph speed limits introduced to residential streets in Reading.

Pushes for 20mph limits have gathered pace since the pandemic, with a default 20mph on restricted roads introduced in Wales in September 2023. In Reading, 20mph limits were brought in on Northcourt Avenue and Wellington Avenue earlier this year, and the Southcote Road area in December 2020.

More roads around Oxford Road could have reduced speeds if the proposed changes go ahead.

The reductions were requested in a 2021 petition to Reading Borough Council after a survey by Labour councillors in Battle, Norcot and Kentwood wards. Of the 219 people who responded, 80 per cent supported cutting residential limits from 30mph to 20mph.

"I think that is an overwhelming desire to see something done.

"Most of us have received complaints about people speeding.

"We look forward to helping to make these streets in our wards safer places for everybody."

The council is now set to consult on reductions proposed for eight roads, and the traffic management subcommittee has been asked to approve statutory consultations. A decision is due when it meets on Thursday, September 10.

Proposals and enforcement measures:

Beresford Road: New speed humps, alongside retained existing speed humps or raised tables where shown.

Amblecote Road: New speed cushions, 20mph road roundels and a 20mph-zone entry sign.

Water Road: New speed cushions, 20mph roundels, and 20mph-zone signs. The design also includes improved or new uncontrolled pedestrian crossings, tactile paving and junction remarking to improve visibility.

Windrush Way: New speed cushions, 20mph roundels and 20mph-zone signing are proposed on the Water Road scheme drawing covering this area.

Colliers Way: New speed cushions, a 20mph road roundel and a 20mph-zone sign.

Grovelands Road: A Grovelands Road roundabout option proposes physical layout changes rather than a labelled speed-hump treatment, with designs for two new uncontrolled crossings, an island to protect parked vehicles, infill works, and alterations connected with parking and bus-stop relocation.

Brisbane Road: Included in the Grovelands Road roundabout option drawing, where the proposed junction-area measures include new uncontrolled crossings, an island protecting parked vehicles, infill works, and parking and bus-stop changes.

Waverley Road: Also included in the Grovelands Road roundabout option, the physical measures shown are the junction-area crossings, protective island and associated layout changes rather than a separately labelled speed-hump or cushion feature.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter