Plans for 20mph speed limits in Wokingham have been blasted as ‘ill-conceived’.
Plans for 20mph speed limits in Wokingham have been slammed as ‘ill-conceived’ by councillor Dave Edmonds during a recent council meeting.
The current speed limit on Reading Road, a major route from Wokingham to Winnersh, has already dropped from 40mph to 30mph. Now, there are discussions about further reducing speeds to 20mph in the town centre.
Edmonds questioned the new executive member for active travel, transport and highways, highlighting the role of the local group, Watch Wokingham, which advocates for lower speed limits to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
In response, councillor Adrian Betteridge acknowledged Edmonds’ comments but defended the push for 20mph limits, citing a significant reduction in pedestrian fatality risk. He referenced a previous trial in Wiltshire Road that aimed to enhance safety for vulnerable road users.
Betteridge reiterated that all parties had committed to making walking and cycling safer during last year's local elections, and he expressed confusion over Edmonds' opposition to these measures.
Despite the discussion, Edmonds accused the Liberal Democrat administration of ‘dither and delay’ over when the 20mph proposals would be evaluated by the council.
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
