Speed cut approved for walking and cycling route

Work on a new walking and cycling route between Woodley town centre and Palmer Park is set to start later this month.

A plan to cut the 30mph limits to 20mph in part of Woodlands Avenue in Woodley and in Palmerstone Road and part of Culver Lane in Earley for it was approved on Friday.

More people who responded to a Wokingham Borough Council-run consultation opposed the speed reduction than supported it but the authority said the change will help vulnerable road users including cyclists and pedestrians.

It said the government-funded work in Woodlands Avenue is expected to start on 26 January and be finished by mid-August.

Other work in Culver Lane and Church Road will start over the summer.

Adrian Betteridge, the council's executive member for active travel, transport and highways, said adjustments were made to the scheme following public consultations.

"The evidence is quite clear of the benefits of 20mph speed limits in the presence of vulnerable road users," he said.

"It certainly will make the route more attractive, easier and safer for vulnerable road users, and will encourage more people to walk, cycle and wheel instead of driving when doing this journey, and therefore reduce congestion for people who choose to drive through the route."