ISLIP residents have demanded new speed limits to stop their area from becoming a rat run ahead of a new railway station opening.

The Islip Traffic Group wants the speed limit for the whole village lowered from 30mph to 20mph, more pedestrian crossings near Dr South’s CoE Primary School and traffic lights at a bridge over the River Ray.

The changes form part of the group’s traffic plan, which they will launch at 7.30pm today at Islip Village Hall with Henley MP John Howell, whose constituency includes the area.

Residents were concerned that the amount of traffic passing through Islip was a danger to pedestrians, after a survey by the group last year discovered 4,100 vehicles passed through the village in a week, compared to 3,800 two years before.

There are also concerns the opening of Oxford Parkway Station, at Water Eaton, will increase the volume of traffic.

Islip Traffic Group chairman Dennis Price said: “Such traffic volumes are disproportionate to a village of just over 600 inhabitants and require effective regulation and control.

“The school is also only accessible by crossing Kidlington Road or Bletchingdon Road, yet there are no controlled crossings.

“This is a matter of deep concern to parents, the headteacher and governing body in the exercise of their duty of care to pupils.”

Mr Price said that the 20mph limit in Islip should be signposted properly with road markings.

He said although Thames Valley Police had indicated it had limited resources and may not be able to enforce it on its own, residents had been trained by the force to use radar guns.

The new pedestrian crossings would be on Kidlington and Bletchingdon roads, to give better access to the school, the medical practice and the railway station.

Traffic lights on the bridge over the River Ray would be aimed at restricting traffic flow, so that vehicles could only cross in one direction at a time.

Residents want the present pedestrian lane on the bridge to be marked more clearly and for its cat’s eyes to be replaced.

Following today’s launch, they are due to submit the proposals to Oxfordshire County Council, so that a more detailed scheme can be drawn up.

Mr Howell said he would lobby the local authority to take up the plan and put its recommendations in place.

He said: “I am very pleased they have come up with potential solutions and what they need to do now is be clear on what their priorities are and what timescales they would like to meet.

“Reducing the speed limit, for instance, is something that could be done relatively quickly, but other measures may require developer contributions.”

Islip Parish Council has said it will at least partly pay for the changes.

Mr Price said that the traffic group is seeking feedback on its proposals.

* Responses can be emailed to trafficgroupislip@gmail.com