SPEED limits could be cut to 20mph on several town centre streets in Abingdon as part of a £500,000 scheme, it emerged last night.

Residents have welcomed the idea, which could see the limit cut from 30mph in Stert Street, High Street, Bridge Street, East and West St Helen Street, Abbey Close and St Helen’s Wharf.

Oxfordshire County Council, which has introduced a 20mph limit in parts of Oxford, believes it will make Abingdon more pedestrian- and cycle-friendly – and cut pollution.

Mario Lolli, 52, manager of the Crown and Thistle Hotel, in Bridge Street, said: “Lowering the speed limit would be good for the town and the community.

“Drivers tend to speed from the town centre down Bridge Street. This will make it a lot safer for people.”

Michael Harrison, of Stert Street, said: “The streets will certainly be quieter. Less speed has got to be welcomed, as it will be safer for pedestrians and shoppers.”

Members of the Abingdon Integrated Transport Strategy (Abits) working party have already been asked for their views on a 20mph limit.

It is thought the scheme would not need fresh traffic calming measures, such as speed humps.

Lesley Legge, leader of Abingdon Town Council, said: “We’re pleased the town could be getting a 20mph speed limit.

“It will be a lot safer for pedestrians and cyclists and should make the traffic run more smoothly.”

Meanwhile, work is being carried out to improve the standard of pavements and the road in High Street. Town councillor Julie Mayhew-Archer said: “This is the final part of the short-term measures of the Abits scheme and will certainly help to smarten up the town centre.”

The Abits scheme was launched in 2006 to improve air quality and make the town centre a more pleasant environment for shoppers.

But it sparked controversy and led to frequent traffic congestion.

A county council spokesman said: “In terms of air quality, cars travelling at 30mph but stopping and starting in queues create more pollution than cars travelling at a steady 20mph.

“The lower speed limit would therefore improve the environment, safety and quality of life for pedestrians, cyclists and residents.”

A 20mph speed limit could be in place by April next year, but consultation would be carried out before a final decision.

Acting Supt Gill Wootton, head of Thames Valley Police’s traffic unit, said: “We agree with the position of the Association of Chief Police Officers on the introduction of lower speed limits – that 20mph limits should only be sought where there’s a need to protect residents, particularly children.

“Simply putting a different number at the end of a road and relying on enforcement alone to achieve compliance is not the answer.

“Where the speed limit has been changed, following proper consultation and there has been the implementation of appropriate road engineering measures, we will respond to the concerns of the public and provide enforcement where the behaviour of the minority of offenders needs to be addressed.”

abingdon@oxfordmail.co.uk