A COUNCILLOR has called on his colleagues to turn parts of Caversham into a 20mph zone.

Cllr Richard Davies launched the campaign last weekend, following growing concerns from residents regarding traffic safety.

Their fears were amplified last month when a woman in her fifties or sixties was hit by a large white truck in Prospect Street, leaving her with life threatening injuries.

A petition was launched for Reading Borough Council to review traffic safety in the town, which was presented to the traffic management sub committee on January 14.

But Cllr Davies has stepped up with his own campaign to address the issue. He said: “By launching this campaign, we are sending the Council the message that for residents of Caversham, twenty is plenty.

“The zone itself won’t impede traffic flow but it will protect pedestrians and cyclists, as well as support road users by letting them know they are driving in a busy, built-up area.

“Residents have been asking me about the possibility of a 20 mph zone, especially since the recent serious accidents that have occurred. This campaign will demonstrate the support of the community.

“Our long-term goals remain to deliver a third Thames road bridge for Reading as well as improve cycle routes and encourage more use of public transport.”

The proposed zone would include Prospect Street, Church Street, Church Road and Bridge Street but could also include neighbouring roads such as Priory Avenue, Rectory Road, St. Anne’s Road or Hemdean Road if there is sufficient public support.

Sarah Aitken, a local mum who is backing the campaign, said: “As a local resident and a mother with young children who walk to schools in Caversham, I would welcome a lower speed limit in the area.

“Having a 20mph zone would send a strong signal to drivers that the centre of Caversham is a place where they should drive slower and be extra careful. I’m sure they’d get where they were going just as quickly in the end.”

Cllr Tony Page, Reading’s lead member for transport, said: “We are strongly supportive of local area 20mph schemes where there is a need and local support.

“One of the things I am keen to see is support from people in Caversham.

“I commend Cllr Davies for this initiative in garnering this support.”

The campaign will be discussed at the borough council’s next traffic management sub-committee meeting on Thursday March 10.

Reading Borough Council recently approved a similar scheme which will take effect in East Reading.