Wokingham borough council has been accused of “.. exceptionally poor communication” over the new 30mph speed limits that have come into force throughout Wokingham borough.
The changes affect parts of the A327 Arborfield Road, Arborfield, Bearwood Road, Barkham, A327 Reading Road, Finchampstead, New Mill Road, Finchampstead, Park Lane, Finchampstead, Hollow Lane, Shinfield, A329 Reading Road, Winnersh, A329 Reading Road, Wokingham and the A329 London Road, Wokingham.
Cllr Nagi Nagella, Labour ward member for Norreys, said: “The decision to change the speed limits has caused residents a lot of confusion.
“The new speed restrictions came into effect on Monday, June 30, but no new signs have been installed.
“Wokingham borough council did tell residents eventually, but via a social media post four days after the changed speed limits.
“Not everyone is on social media and will have missed this message.
“Wokingham Labour supports regular Speedwatch events to monitor bad driving, so while we applaud the council’s decision to make our roads safer, this is exceptionally poor communication on their part.
“We hope no resident will be fined until all roads have the new speed limits clearly defined so there is no ambiguity.”
A council spokesperson said: “It’ll take a few weeks to remove old speed limit signs along these routes, and we’ve delayed some of this to coincide with other planned works and reduce disruption.
“During this period, existing limits apply until old signs are removed.
“Only Thames Valley Police can enforce speed limits and they know about these changes.
“Once existing 40mph signs are removed, we won’t install repeating 30mph signs in areas with street lighting, as the Highway Code (Rule 124) is clear that a 30mph limit applies unless signs say otherwise.
“However, we will install repeating 30mph signs in areas where the new limit applies but there isn’t any street lighting.
“We’ll also put up temporary signs at various locations to remind everyone that a new limit applies.”
