Theale Village: Proposed 20mph Speed Limit
Statutory consultation on the lowering of speed limits on many of the roads in Theale Village.
Consultation status Results publishedActivity closed. Results published.
Background
This proposal originated from three separate requests for speed limit changes in Theale (Meadow Way, Crown Lane & The Green) which were approved at the Speed Limit Review in July 2021. Since then, Theale village has been identified as an ideal candidate to assess the speed limit through a whole village/area rather than individual roads piecemeal. The process undertaken in Theale will be treated as a pilot scheme to potentially be implemented in other suitable villages/areas across West Berkshire over the coming years.
To find out more information on how speed limits are set on local roads, please visit our webpage.
What we are proposing
To reduce the speed limit on many of the roads within Theale village. The Green would be reduced from 40mph to 30mph by way of restoring it back to restricted road status (through the presence of street lighting) by revoking the relevant 40mph speed limit order. We would also look to consolidate and rectify errors identified in three existing historic speed limit orders which would be revoked as part of this proposed order.
This holistic assessment of Theale village has identified that a new order is required if we are to enhance the movement of vulnerable highway users around the village of Theale by reducing the risk of conflict from motorised vehicles.
You can view a plan of the 
current speed limits [694KB] in Theale village and a plan of the
proposed speed limits [733KB] in Theale village online. You can also view the 
notice of proposals [29KB] ,
statement of reasons [19KB] and
draft order [25KB] here.
How to take part
This consultation is now closed.
What happens next
We will take all the comments we receive into consideration, and a recommendation report will be submitted to the Executive Member for Environment and Highways, who will decide how to proceed. Any change to the speed limit will be approved by Individual Executive Member Decision.
What you told us
Of the public responses, 23 were from residents of Theale and 21 from residents living outside Theale. Although respondents were asked to provide their address, nine replies were received without this information.
14 of the Theale residents were in favour of the proposals, with seven against and two neutral.
What we did
The proposed speed limit order is introduced as advertised. The following issues are noted in respect of the implementation and monitoring of this pilot project and any subsequent projects:
- Post-implementation monitoring of vehicle speeds is required to gauge compliance with new speed limits.
- Thames Valley Police have made it clear that no additional enforcement for newly lowered speed limits will be carried out over and above their current routine activity.
- Speed limits should be “self-enforcing” but where vehicle speeds are not within an acceptable margin of the speed limit, further measures may be required to promote compliance, which would in turn require additional funding. Alternatively, speed limits which do not achieve sufficient compliance may need to be reconsidered.
- Further work may be required in subsequent projects to obtain greater engagement in the consultation process from residents, in order to be able to demonstrate local support for speed limit reductions.
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