Local active travel group welcomes speed reduction
17/11/2025
The group points to evidence from elsewhere of the positive benefits of the change
A local active travel group has welcomed the decision to reduce the speed limit to 20mph on the main road through the centre of Banbury.
Banbury Active Travel Supporters campaigns to make public thoroughfares safer and more accessible for cyclists, walkers and people using wheelchairs or mobility aids. They say that evidence from elsewhere in the country shows there are clear benefits to the move, which was approved by Oxfordshire’s Highways Chief, Councillor Andrew Gant, last week.
The lower limit will be implemented on the Southam Road from Cooper’s Gate (north of St Mary’s School) as far as Old Parr Road, shortly before the Horton General Hospital.
The decision followed a statement by a coroner after a fatal accident close to St Mary’s Church in 2023.
In supporting the change Banbury Active Travel Supporters noted there are two primary schools, three nurseries and several care homes on this stretch of road, adding that it is heavily used by pedestrians, cyclists and vehicular traffic, including some buses.
A spokesperson said: “Virtually all of Banbury’s residential streets now have 20mph limits. [Banbury Active Travel Supporters] believes that adopting the same limit for this busy central street will make it clearer to all that slower speeds within the urban area, particularly where pedestrians and motorists mix, are the norm.
“We believe this will help to improve compliance and, therefore, the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, people using mobility scooters and other vulnerable road users in Banbury.
“Slower traffic speeds will also make cycling a more attractive option as 30mph traffic can be very intimidating.”
The group’s statement comes in the face of a large online backlash against the decision, which Councillor Gant said he took “in the best interests of the people of Banbury”, despite over 80 percent of respondents rejecting the proposal in a consultation.
Banbury Active Travel Supporters agree with Councillor Gant’s decision and note evidence from other areas of the country which demonstrates 20mph limits in urban areas significantly reduce the number of road deaths and serious injuries. The evidence also highlights how the speed reduction made very little difference to journey times and, contrary to some opinions, did not increase air pollution, but encouraged more people to walk and cycle, further reducing pollution.
Banbury Active Travel Supporters is a project run by Banbury Community Action Group.
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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