Starting Monday, February 23, 2026, several major roads in Banbury, Oxfordshire, will change to a 20mph speed limit. Oxfordshire County Council is introducing the lower speeds to help make the town centre safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
The new rules will affect the entire length of North Bar, Horsefair, and South Bar. Drivers will also need to slow down on specific parts of Southam Road, Oxford Road, and Bloxham Road as they enter the busiest parts of the town.
This change was suggested by the Senior Coroner for Oxfordshire, Nicholas Graham, after a fatal crash on North Bar Street in 2023. Local groups like Banbury Active Travel Supporters have also called for these changes to improve road safety for everyone.
A public consultation held in late 2025 showed that over 80 per cent of people who responded were against the lower speed limits. Despite this opposition, the council decided to move forward with the project, which cost approximately £89,347 to set up.
Drivers should look out for new signs being uncovered and expect more police attention in the area as the new limits begin. The lower speeds aim to reduce the risk of serious accidents while having a small impact on travel times during busy hours.
