Some residents fear speed limits being reduced to 50mph

Parts of the A44, A361, A415 and A4421 have been singled out by the county council, which believes the proposals will reduce accidents in rural areas.

But residents claim the move will lead to a rise in the number of crashes.

Campaigner Mark McArthur-Christie fears those who adhere to the new limits will be tailgated by frustrated drivers.

The named routes A44 Chipping Norton to County Boundary A361 Williamscot Hill to County Boundary A415 Kingston Bagpuize to Ducklington A4421 Bicester to Finmere B4044 Botley to Eynsham

Mr McArthur-Christie added: "It is true that these roads have a history of accidents, but speeding is not the problem.

"The council is pursuing a hard-line stance of blanket speed limits, no matter what objections are put in their way.

"This results in limits which are clearly inappropriate."

David Palmer, a local company director, said: "Official figures show time and time again that knee-jerk speed limits of this sort don't, and won't, cure the problem."

A county council spokesman said: "They are placed as casualty reduction measures.

"Monitoring of existing sites gives us confidence that the proposals will reduce accidents - especially when supported by additional visual calming measures such as more frequent 50mph reminder signs, coloured surfacing and road markings.

"All the limits currently proposed will be supported by extra calming measures."