Which Oxfordshire roads will have new 50mph speed limits?

The A423 Southern bypass, Eastern bypass, the southern bypass westbound slip road, and Old Abingdon Road will have new 50mph speed limits.

Why are speed limits being reduced on the A423 bypass?

The speed limit reductions are part of wider A423 improvement works aimed at enhancing safety, traffic flow, and flood management in the Kennington area.

What was the result of the public consultation on speed limits in Oxfordshire?

The public consultation showed 71% of residents supported the introduction of 50mph speed limits, and 74% supported the 30mph limits.

Home / Business and Economy / Oxfordshire Roads Get Slower: 50mph Limits Coming

Oxfordshire Roads Get Slower: 50mph Limits Coming

16 Dec, 2025

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Summary

New 50mph speed limits are being introduced on parts of Oxfordshire's ring road.
A public consultation showed 71% support for the 50mph limit changes.
A323 improvement works include a new bridge, bus lane, and flood reduction.

Oxfordshire Roads Get Slower: 50mph Limits Coming

Reduced speed limits are coming to Oxfordshire's ring road after a public consultation revealed strong support for the changes. The A423 Southern and Eastern bypasses, along with specific slip roads and Old Abingdon Road, will see speed limits lowered to 50mph. Further sections of Old Abingdon Road and Kennington Road are set for 30mph limits.

Officially approved by Oxfordshire County Council's head of highways, Andrew Gant, on December 11, 2025, these measures garnered significant backing. A majority of 71% favored the 50mph reductions, while 74% supported the 30mph limits. Objectors cited existing congestion from low traffic neighbourhoods and congestion charges as reasons speeds are already low.

The speed limit adjustments are integrated with broader A423 improvement works in Kennington. These include vital infrastructure upgrades such as replacing a rail bridge, introducing a shared path for cyclists and pedestrians, a new eastbound bus lane, and enhanced capacity for Hinksey streams to mitigate flooding. The council is seeking government funding to close a significant funding gap for these projects.