DRIVERS can’t be fined if they break Oxford’s proposed 20mph speed zones, police admitted last night.

Oxfordshire County Council is launching public consultation next month on plans to make all residential areas in the city 20mph zones, in a scheme which would cost about £300,000.

But campaigners and motoring groups fear the safety scheme would have no effect after police admitted they would not fine or prosecute any speeders.

Chief Constable Sara Thornton said the force was following police guidelines not to enforce 20mph zones because they were not statuory speed limits, although it would lobby for a change by the Association of Chief Police Officers.

Richard Bradley, of the 20’s Plenty campaign group, wants the proposals to go ahead but fears drivers would simply ignore the 20mph speed limits if there was no enforcement.

He added: “Police are there to enforce the law and I don’t think enforcing 20mph limits is any different. Ultimately there must be some enforcement or sanction. I don’t think it would work otherwise.”

Elizabeth Dainton, of the RAC Foundation, said the problem was worsened because there were no speed cameras which could legally enforce 20mph limits, adding: “For any change like this, there must be necessary enforcement, otherwise it’s unworkable.”

Andrew Howard, head of road safety at the AA, said: “Oxford shouldn’t go 20. You will have a major enforcement problem in routes which aren’t des- igned to do 20mph.”

Current proposals are for 20mph zones in all residential areas and sections of some arterial routes, such as London Road in Headington. Oxford City Council and 20’s Plenty want it widened to include Iffley, Banbury, Abingdon and Botley roads.

Ian Hudspeth, the county council’s cabinet member for transport, hoped the zones would be self-enforcing and alter drivers’ attitudes to speed.

He said: “We would monitor to ensure average speeds are at or around the level of the speed limit – if not, we would add physical measures or temporary/permanent signing, including vehicle-activated signs or ongoing education.”

City council leader Bob Price said: “It would be best if we had enforcement but we have to work within the parameters of what police can offer us.

“Enforcement is desirable but everyone is aware of the limitations. But it’s better to do it, rather than do nothing at all.”

Supt Mick Doyle, head of roads policing, said better road infrastructure and signing can reduce speed, instead of enforcement.

He added: “While we will comply with current Acpo guidance, we will use our position to encourage Acpo that there’s a place for enforcement in 20mph zones.”

Introduction of 20mph limits in Cowley Road has seen a 35 per cent reduction in accidents.

  • Portsmouth became the first city in England to introduce 20mph zones in all residential areas last March.

Its city council said despite having no enforcement, average speeds in residential zones fell by 3-4mph.

The main arterial routes and seafront retained the former speed limits.

The Department for Transport recommends all 20mph zones to have raised humps and junctions and speed cushions.

mwilkinson@oxfordmail.co.uk