Views split over lower speed limit plans

Opinions have been split on proposals to introduce a mix of 20mph and 30mph speed limits across five areas in the borough of Wokingham.

More than 1,600 people have given their say on whether limits should be reduced, with some responding positively while others are not convinced.

Linda Radley said: "It would just generally slow things more when I wouldn't say that the traffic flows particularly fast anyway so I'm not really sure why it's been mooted."

The Lib Dem-controlled council said the move would help reduce injuries and deaths on the roads.

Councillor Adrian Betteridge, for Active Travel, Transport and Highways, said he understands "why people may see any sort of change as a concern" but there is an issue with people driving at unsafe speeds outside of peak hours.

Betteridge said over the past five years 1,200 people have been injured on Wokingham roads and "unfortunately last year that number didn't go down it actually got somewhat worse".

The proposal is part of the council's longer-term Safer Streets programme designed to reduce vehicle speeds and improve road safety.

The areas, which have been targeted where pedestrians, cyclists and children may be at risk, include Wokingham town centre and Norreys Avenue, Twyford, Finchampstead, Silverdale Road in Earley and Hare Hatch.

The BBC spoke to residents in Wokingham town centre where the proposal would cut limits to 20mph.

Char Connell thinks it is worth spending public money on making the roads safer.

"If money is being spent to make people feel safer... slower traffic is always going to mean [greater] safety, that's never a waste of money," she said.

Radley, who has lived in the area for 40 years, said reducing limits would be a good idea but does not think they should apply at all times.

"Norreys Avenue has so many bollards that I don't feel that you go very fast down there anyway and I think in other areas then a 20mph speed limit at [school times] seems ideal but I'm not sure it needs to be 24/7," she said.

Wendy Frost has been a resident for more than two decades and has seen a lot of frustration among motorists driving into the town centre.

"Reducing something to 20mph is really great. But if you're someone who has a long drive each day and you've got to get through town, it doesn't always help your temper and your blood pressure," she said.

The consultation runs until midnight on Monday.