Rural roads in parts of England could see the speed limit reduced from 60mph to 40mph. A review of speed limits on all of Oxfordshire’s rural A and B roads is being ramped up, which could lead to dozens of routes being made safer in the next 12 months.
Background of the review
Since 2025, Oxfordshire County Council has been reviewing speed limits and safety on its network as part of its Vision Zero programme to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on the network. This has led to speed limit reductions on some stretches of road, including lowering national speed limit sections to 50mph or 40mph, alongside other measures such as junction changes or traffic management where risks have been identified.
Safety concerns on rural roads
The aim is to make rural roads safer for all users, recognising that many routes are narrow, winding and shared by drivers, cyclists, walkers, and horse riders. Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County 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 the 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.
Data-driven approach
“While it was heartening to see that Oxfordshire is seeing significant improvements in road safety, according to recent provisional government data, we are far from complacent. Every death is one too many. Indeed, it has strengthened our resolve to push on and make conditions safer on more of our rural roads.”
Cllr Epps added: “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 review is a data-led reassessment of safety and speed on Oxfordshire’s main rural routes. Officers are using current Department for Transport criteria on speed limits to guide the changes to be considered.”
Impact and next steps
Potential reductions could affect dozens of routes within the next 12 months, with each proposal subject to public consultation. The council aims to balance safety improvements with local needs, ensuring that speed limits are appropriate for each road's characteristics and usage.
