Further speed reductions likely as review of A and B road limits ramped up
30/06/2026
The move forms part of Oxfordshire County Council’s Vision Zero programme
Further speed reductions on rural A and B roads around our area could be on the way as a review of current limits is ramped up.
Since 2025 Oxfordshire County Council has been reviewing speed limits and safety on its network as part of its Vision Zero programme. This aims to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on the network.
The review looks at whether existing speed limits are appropriate, using evidence such as collision data, road layout and how routes are used.
So far this has led to speed limit reductions on some stretches of road, including lowering national speed limit in places to 50mph or even 40mph. Other measures have included junction changes or traffic management where risks have been identified.
The aim is to make rural roads safer for all users, recognising that many routes are narrow, winding and shared by drivers, cyclists, walkers, and horse riders.
Provisional government statistics published in late May suggest that the council’s approach is helping lead to significant improvements in road safety, with serious and fatal collisions in Oxfordshire falling sharply.
Deddington Councillor Gareth Epps is Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport. He said: “This review is all about reducing deaths and serious injuries on our roads. The premise that no one should be killed or seriously injured as the result of a road collision, whatever mode of transport they are using, is at the heart of our Vision Zero strategy.
“Making sure speed limits are safe and appropriate is key to achieving this. Oxfordshire’s last major A and B road speed limit review was carried out 15 years ago, so this review is much needed.
“While it was heartening to see that Oxfordshire is seeing significant improvements in road safety, according to recent provisional government data, we are far from complacent. Every death is one too many. Indeed, it has strengthened our resolve to push on and make conditions safer on more of our rural roads.”
Changes already implemented include reduced speeds on the A4260 between Bodicote and Adderbury and south of Deddington. A consultation on changes to the A361 on both sides of Banbury has been completed with a decision due imminently.
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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