West Berkshire Council considering three 20mph zones on these Newbury roads

Three roads in Newbury town centre could see their speed limit reduced to 20mph.

West Berkshire Council has launched a consultation into the plan and it follows on from other councils implementing similar schemes.

In September last year, Wales introduced a 20mph zone for many of its roads in a bid to reduce air pollution and make roads safer.

The three Newbury roads being considered all connect to each other: Argyle Road, Derby Road and Hampton Road.

In its documentation introducing the plans, West Berkshire Council said the changed speed limit was necessary for safety reasons, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists using the new contraflow cycle lane.

Both Argyle Road and Derby Road are one-way, while Hampton Road is a cul de sac, and all are narrow.

The restrictions on Argyle Road will start from its junction of Pound Street in the direction of Derby Road.

The council said that the 20mph has been requested by residents, and in 2021 the proposal has the backing of the ward member.

As a result, the roads were sent to the Speed Limit Review Panel to investigate, and their report was approved by Denise Gaines, the deputy leader of the council, during an Individual Executive Member Decision meeting held on Thursday, May 2.

Where can I see the order?

West Berkshire Council has set up a consultation website, https://www.westberks.gov.uk/consultations, where the scheme can be seen in full.

It is also possible to inspect the plan by visiting the Market Street council offices. Head to the main reception between 9am and 4.30pm, and staff will be able to help.

How can I comment on the proposal?

The consultation into the plan to convert part of Argyle Road, as well as all of Derby Road and Hampton Road runs until Thursday, October 3.

It is being organised by West Berkshire Council.

People wanting to make a comment can make comments in writing, quoting reference 9529, to Jon Winstanley, Service Director, Environment, West Berkshire District Council, Market Street, Newbury RG14 5LD.

Alternatively, comments can be made by logging on to: https://www.westberks.gov.uk/consultations and completing the form, or emailing: trafficandroadsafety@westberks.gov.uk

How long will the consultation process take?

West Berkshire Council says all comments, good or bad, will be taken into account and a report prepared by officers.

This will be presented to councillors in December.

It will be up to the current Executive Portfolio Holder for Environment and Highways, Stuart Gourley, to decide on whether the scheme goes ahead.

Once this has happened, the new speed limit signs will be put in place as soon as the highways contractor is able to do so.

What was the experience in Wales?

Wales changed its rules in September 2023, with the aim of making roads safer, reducing collisions and injuries, while boosting alternative methods of transport including walking and cycling.

They chose roads in residential areas, generally identified by roads where lampposts are spaced no more than 200 yards (183 metres) apart.

Not all roads saw their speed limits changed.

It has been controversial, and a petition calling for the scheme to be axed was signed by nearly half a million people.

As a result of feedback, some roads will see their speed limit increased to 30mph.

Has the 20mph speed limit been successful?

Transport for Wales published data in June showing that it has been successful in reduce the speed on the roads, with the average down 4mph.

It has been less successful in improving air quality, one of the big hopes for the scheme.

The initial air quality monitoring report said there has been no real change.

It has not seen an increase in congestion, while there has been a decrease in the number of casualties on the roads.

Won’t going slower mean longer journeys?

Wales’ experience suggests that journey times have increased slightly.

In most cases, the journey time is up by a minute, and in worst case scenarios, two minutes.