Residents are being asked for their views on proposals to introduce safer speed limits in five areas within Wokingham Borough. This initiative marks the first phase of a broader 'Safer Streets' programme designed to reduce vehicle speeds and enhance road safety across the borough, with a focus on areas where pedestrians, cyclists, and children may be at increased risk.
The initial proposals target a mixture of 20mph and 30mph lower speed limits in the following locations: Wokingham town centre and Norreys Avenue, Twyford village centre and surrounding residential areas, Finchampstead village centre, Silverdale Road in Earley, and rural minor roads around Hare Hatch.
Following the adoption of a new speed limit policy in January 2026, the council gathered suggestions from residents and local councils. This engagement resulted in 1,911 suggestions from 841 participants.
Cllr Adrian Betteridge, the council’s executive member for active travel, transport and highways, highlighted the critical need for reduced speeds. "Tragically, every year on roads in Wokingham Borough, road traffic collisions result in death and serious injury. The evidence is clear that reducing speeds in towns, villages, residential estates and on rural minor roads will improve safety," he stated.
Cllr Betteridge added, "We want our roads to be safe for everyone and lower speed limits will play an important part in achieving that. These initial proposals are a first step in a proactive, evidence-led programme." He also noted the importance of local input, stating, "Local people identified speeding as a major concern... We look forward to continuing that conversation as this programme develops."
The 1,911 resident suggestions were shortlisted into 76 areas and assessed against criteria including evidence of road safety issues, likely safety improvements for vulnerable road users, encouragement of active travel, likely compliance, community support, and deliverability. The chosen five locations represent a mix of settings to help monitor the programme's impact.
Residents can find more information, view maps, and share their views on the proposed areas until midnight on Monday 9 November 2026.
