Roads in Earley are set to get 20mph speed limits, despite uproar from some neighbours.
Culver Lane in the Whitegates area is a residential road that connects to the Wokingham borough boundary with East Reading.
The lane currently has a 30mph limit, with speed bumps at intervals to deter speeding. But this limit could soon go down to 20mph following a proposed reduction by Wokingham Borough Council, the highways authority for Earley.
A 20mph limit is also proposed for Palmerstone Road, which links Culver Lane with Church Road.
Some drivers have reacted in uproar at the proposal, calling it ‘unjustified’ and ‘ridiculous’.
Neighbours had the opportunity to comment during a public consultation on the proposal during September and October.
One furious driver wrote: “20mph is ridiculously low.
“In my experience, the only people who support this draconian restriction are anti-car zealots, who should not be allowed to impose their fringe views on the majority, with the possible exception of short stretches outside schools at times when pupils are entering or leaving.
“A 30mph limit is quite low enough.”
On the proposed new limit for Culver Lane, one driver wrote: “The road has zero justifications to have a 20mph limit, there are no schools, hospitals, etc on the road, it is a busy traffic route due to issues with traffic flow elsewhere in Reading council’s area, and a 20mph limit is completely unrealistic based on current use.”
Another motorist wrote: “All these 20 mph speed restrictions are getting ridiculous – 30 mph is absolutely fine for most places….will cyclists keep to the 20 mph limit as well?”
Additionally, someone else who responded to the consultation wrote: “The balance is tipping too far against the motorist and the prevalence of 20mph limits is negative for the vast majority of people who are hard working, have families and need cars to get around quickly and efficiently.”
“30mph limits are perfectly reasonable for roads with cars and cyclists, and they have been fine for years (and furthermore cars are safer today than they have ever been so long stretches of 20mph limits are unnecessary.”
Some neighbours supported the proposed change.
One neighbour wrote: “Reducing the speed limit to 20mph will increase road safety and comfort for all users, including motorists and people walking, wheeling and cycling.”
Another argued that the new speed limit will improve road safety.
They wrote: “20mph should be adopted on all residential roads in Woodley and Earley.
“Being hit at 20mph has a significant impact on survival rates compared with 30mph. It should be adopted in all residential roads in Wokingham Borough Council.”
Of the 77 comments received, 46 objected, and 31 supported the proposal.
The new speed limit is due to be approved in an individual member decision by councillor Adrian Betteridge), the executive member at Wokingham borough councilfor highways, on Friday, January 9.
Culver Lane is connected to Palmer Park Avenue in East Reading, which itself is 20 mph and has a one way system.
The borough boundary is established at the bridges for the A3290 and the Reading to Waterloo railway line.
