Wokingham Council Pushes Ahead with Controversial Road Scheme Despite Public Backlash
Residents in parts of Berkshire have accused their local authority of operating like a "dictatorship" after it decided to implement a widely opposed 20mph speed limit and extensive new cycle highway. The Liberal Democrat-run Wokingham Borough Council conducted consultations last year regarding proposed traffic calming measures and active travel infrastructure near Reading.
Overwhelming Opposition Ignored
The consultation results revealed substantial public resistance to the proposals. In Woodley, 69 percent of respondents objected to the plans, while in Earley, opposition stood at 60 percent. Despite these clear expressions of discontent, the council has confirmed it will commence construction on January 26, with works expected to span over a year.
Council leader Stephen Conway defended the decision with a statement that has further inflamed tensions: "Consultation feedback informed the decision, but consultations are not votes and do not determine outcome by majority rule." This position has been characterized by Conservative group leader Pauline Jorgensen as "consultation theatre" – creating an appearance of public engagement without genuine responsiveness.
Residents Express Fury and Frustration
Local resident Joseph Sule, speaking to the Daily Mail at Woodley shopping precinct, articulated the anger felt by many: "I think it's ridiculous, it's like a dictatorship, not a democracy. Here's an idea, why don't you have a consultation with the people and listen to them? The council should be accountable to the people."
Sule, 45, questioned the evidence behind the decision: "Safety, yes, for sure, obviously people care about that but I don't know what the safety record is. I would like to see the statistics but we haven't seen that from the council. It just looks like a unilateral decision forced upon the people."
Sue Halllet, a 44-year resident of the area, expressed similar frustrations: "Why are we even voting for people that are just going to ignore us? Our voices aren't being heard. They did a so-called consultation which a lot of people, including myself, opposed but it just seems to have been powered through whilst ignoring the views of the local public."
Council Cites National Guidance and Safety Evidence
The council has justified its position by referencing Department for Transport recommendations supporting 20mph limits on mixed-use routes to enhance road safety. In a newsletter acknowledging "strong objections" from the borough's 117,000 residents, the authority stated: "We think the Department for Transport recommendation, for 20mph speed limits on mixed-use routes to enhance road safety, outweighs them."
A council representative elaborated on social media: "A consultation on a Traffic Regulation Order is something that all councils are legally required to do, and they’re legally required to show they’ve read and considered every response, but they aren’t a referendum. In this case, government guidelines advise a 20mph speed limit as best practice for active travel schemes like this, which weighs strongly in its favour."
Some Residents Support Safety-First Approach
Not all residents oppose the measures. William Telford, a 64-year-old mountain biker, welcomed the plans: "I think it is a marvellous idea. It would keep people safe. If you hit a child or an old person it is a vastly different scenario at 20mph than it would be at 30mph."
John Willis, 83, who has lived in Woodley since 1966, agreed: "My biggest fear is a child getting hit, 20mph is much safer than the current 30mph limit. You don't have to take a car into town. I'm all for the working man, take the bus!"
Broader National Context
The controversy in Wokingham reflects wider national trends. Research indicates that approximately one third of British roads now have 20mph limits, covering about 39,000 miles of roadway. An estimated 19.1 million Britons live in neighbourhoods with such restrictions, with more reductions anticipated in coming months.
The new active travel route, funded by central government, will connect Woodley precinct to Palmer Park in Reading via Woodlands Avenue, Church Road, Palmerstone Road and Culver Lane. The 20mph limit will apply to Palmerstone Road in its entirety, most of Culver Lane, and Woodlands Avenue.
Council leader Conway concluded: "We did not ignore residents. Consultation feedback informed the decision. We must consider safety evidence, national guidance and the needs of all road users alongside the views expressed. Strong evidence shows that lower speeds improve road safety and wider engagement shows clear support for safer roads."
