West Berkshire Council (WBC) has shared early draft proposals for a 20mph scheme in Cold Ash as part of their wider review of local speed limits. This is not the formal public consultation. That consultation, which will last six weeks, is expected to take place mid December and will give all residents the chance to comment in detail.
Why are we updating you now?
On 12 November, WBC’s consultants (WSP) contacted the Parish Council as part of their “pre-engagement” with elected members. Unfortunately, only three working days were provided for the Parish Council to review the material and offer feedback. This timeframe is too short for us to consider the proposals properly or to represent the views of parishioners.
As a result, the Parish Council wants to make clear that:
- We have not had a meaningful opportunity to comment on or shape the draft proposal.
- The proposal is currently a WBC proposal, not a CAPC one.
- We will do all we can to ensure residents are fully informed and engaged once the formal consultation opens.
What happens next?
Cold Ash Parish Council will:
- Keep residents informed as soon as WBC announces the formal consultation
- Hold engagement opportunities during that period
- Submit a detailed, evidence-based response reflecting residents’ views
What you can do now
- Look out for updates from CAPC
- Prepare to respond to WBC’s consultation once it opens
- Think about where you feel 20 mph limits would be most, or least, desirable in our parish; and the accompanying benefits or issues that would arise.
We aim to ensure that any final 20mph scheme for Cold Ash is safe, effective, and genuinely shaped by the community.