New speed limits approved by council

A borough's major roads are set to see speed limit reductions after plans were approved by the council.

Wokingham Borough Council's executive member for active travel, transport and highways, Martin Alder, approved various speed limit changes - including 30mph on parts of the A327 and A329.

A report said the restrictions were "necessary and expedient to avoid danger to persons or other traffic using these roads".

A consultation received dozens of letters of support and few objections.

The 30mph limit will be set for parts of the A329 Reading Road in Winnersh, London Road in Wokingham, Hollow Lane in Shinfield, the A327 Arborfield Road in Shinfield, Bearwood Road in Barkham, the A327 Reading Road, New Mill Lane and Park Lane in Finchampstead.

A 40mph speed limit will be put in place on parts of Toutley Road and Longdon Road in Winnersh.

Councillors said the roads' current 30mph speed limit was "not reflective of the road's function".

Also approved were plans for double yellow lines on Blackthorne Close, Mays Lane, Sheperd's House Lane, Rushey Way, Colleton Drive, Greenacres Avenue, Hart Dyke Close, Fishponds Road, London Road, Murray Road, Fairwater Drive and Rowan Drive, and single yellows on Dunaways Close, Mill Lane, Sheperd's House Lane, Caroline Drive and St Helier Close.

Each item was requested by residents or councillors to improve road safety and reduce traffic.

One supporter of the change on the A327 Reading Road said: "Having lived on this road for 28 years and seen numerous accidents including fatalities I am delighted to hear the proposal of the long overdue speed limit."

Another resident said she worried for her daughter's safety crossing the road.

Executive member Mr Alder said he agreed with each proposal based on the highway officer's recommendations.

Officers added any of the changes could be looked at again based on resident feedback.

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