Argyle Road, Hampton Road and Derby Road, Newbury: Proposed 20mph speed limit by Traffic Regulation Order (Ref: 9529)

Activity closed.

Background

The speed at which traffic moves on our roads is one of the main factors in fatal incidents, and West Berkshire Council has a responsibility to make sure our roads are safe. As part of our Speed Management Framework Policy, we work with the police and local parish and town councils to introduce measures to help keep speeds within safe limits. 

A Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) is a legal document that must be made by the Local Authority under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 in order to regulate or restrict the public highway in any way. A TRO can restrict the use of the public highway in many ways, either permanently, experimentally or temporarily. The most common ways are closing the road, speed restrictions, weight/width/height restrictions, prohibiting certain movements, or restricting parking in some way. There are strict procedures that must be followed in order to make a permanent, experimental or temporary Traffic Regulation Order. You can find further information on our webpage.
    
The 20mph limit was requested by residents and supported by the Ward Member in 2021. The Speed Limit Review panel recommended that process of change should begin. You can find more detailed information as part of the report considered by the Individual Executive Member on Thursday, 2 May 2024.

This draft order has been written as it was felt that these speed restrictions are necessary in the interest of the safety of all highway users given the high volume of pedestrians travelling to and from local amenities and with the relatively new addition of a contraflow cycle lane. Argyle Road and Derby Road are subject to a one-way restriction with a combination of restricted and unrestricted on-street parking. Hampton Road is a cul-de-sac so two-way traffic is necessary, along with mostly restricted on-street parking to allow for two-way traffic. The roads narrowness and the demand for on-street parking means that 20mph is an appropriate speed-limit restriction.  

To find out more information on how speed limits are set on local roads, please visit our webpage.

What we are proposing

Under Sections 84(1) and (2) and Section (1) and (2) and of Part IV of Schedule 9 to the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 ("the Act") and of all other enabling powers and after consultation with the Chief Officer of Police in accordance with Part III of Schedule 9 to the Act, we propose to change the speed limits on the following roads in Newbury:

No statutory provision imposing a speed limit on motor vehicles shall apply to any vehicle on an occasion when it is being used for fire brigade, ambulance or police purposes, if the observance of that provision would be likely to hinder the use of the vehicle for the purpose for which it is being used on that occasion.

No speed limit imposed by this Order applies to vehicles falling within regulation 3(4) of the Road Traffic Exemptions (Special Forces) (Variation and Amendment) Regulations 2011 when used in accordance with regulation 3(5) of those Regulations.

Copies of the draft order, statement of reasons, and plan can be inspected during the hours of 9am to 4.30pm Mondays to Fridays at the offices of West Berkshire District Council, Council Offices Market Street Newbury RG14 5LD. Please ask at the ground floor main reception.

You can also view/download the draft TRO and statement of reasons, and location plan of the area through the links below:

• Notice of proposal
• Draft Order
• Statement of reasons
• Detailed location plan
   

Why we want your views

We'd like to know whether you'd like to express your support or objection, record a neutral position, or make a general comment on the introduction of these proposals.

How to take part

If you'd like to comment on the proposal, please complete our form.

You can return the completed form either by email to trafficandroadsafety@westberks.gov.uk or by post to the Traffic and Road Safety Team, West Berkshire Council, Market Street Offices, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 5LD. 

All responses must reach the Traffic and Road Safety Team by Friday, 9 August 2024 if they are to be considered. Any personal information you choose to provide will be kept confidential and used in accordance with our privacy notice.
 

If you have any questions about the consultation, please contact the Transport and Road Traffic Team.

For general information about Traffic Management and Road Safety on our website here.

What happens next

All comments and objections we receive will be taken into account, and a report submitted in September 2024 for consideration by Councillor Stuart Gourley, Executive Portfolio Holder for Environment and Highways, who will decide how to proceed.

If the decision taken is to approve the proposal, the implementation of the 20mph speed limits will be carried out as soon as our Highway Contractor is able to programme the works.

After the consultation has closed, if the decision is made to introduce the new speed limits, all objectors who have requested feedback will be informed accordingly.