Drivers to see national speed limits lowered across several roads under new safety proposals

Drivers could face lower speed limits on around 60 major rural roads under new plans aimed at cutting deaths and serious injuries.

Oxfordshire County Council announced a major review of national speed limit roads across the county during 2026-27, with many 60mph stretches potentially reduced to 50mph or even 40mph.

The review forms part of the council's Vision Zero strategy, which aims to eliminate road deaths and serious injuries.

Officials will examine around 60 rural A and B roads using crash data, road layouts and traffic levels to decide whether current speed limits are still suitable.

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Where safety concerns were identified, the council said it could introduce lower speed limits alongside changes to junctions and other traffic management measures.

The authority said many of Oxfordshire's rural roads are narrow and winding, with motorists sharing them with cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders.

Several speed limit changes have already been approved on parts of the A4074, A40, A420, A417 and A4260, as well as nearby B-roads.

Meanwhile, a separate consultation on proposed changes to the A361 has now ended, with councillors expected to decide in July whether to press ahead with the plans.

The latest review marks the first major assessment of speed limits on Oxfordshire's rural roads for 15 years.

Councillor Gareth Epps, the council's Cabinet Member for Transport, 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 a 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."

The council said recent provisional Government figures suggest its road safety strategy is already making a difference, with the number of fatal and serious crashes falling across the county.

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Despite the improvement, Mr Epps insisted there was still more work to do. "Every death is one too many," he said. "Indeed, it has strengthened our resolve to push on and make conditions safer on more of our rural roads."

The council stressed the review would not lead to blanket speed limit reductions across Oxfordshire.

Instead, every road will be judged individually using the latest Department for Transport guidance before any decision is made.

Mr Epps said: "It is important for people to realise that the review is not about introducing blanket changes across the county. This is a bespoke approach. Proposals are assessed case by case, consulted on publicly, and monitored once implemented to ensure they are effective."

The next stage of the process will begin later this month when the council consults parish and town councils, Thames Valley Police and local bus operators.

A formal public consultation will then be held later this year, allowing residents and drivers to give their views before any changes are introduced.

The council said every scheme will be monitored after implementation to assess whether the new speed limits improve safety.

Around 60 separate projects are expected to come forward under the Vision Zero programme during 2026-27 as the authority continues its long-term effort to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on Oxfordshire's roads.

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