Environmental campaigners praised a reduced 20mph speed limit while presenting evidence it is proving effective in their town.

Analysis run by Sustainable Woodstock using Chat GPT and Google data sources showed car speeds are well below the previous 30mph limit along the A44.

It showed the average recorded speed of cars driving along Manor Road is around 22 mph during the hours of 7am-7pm, with vehicles noticeably speeding up late at night.

The 20mph zone was introduced in Woodstock in January 2024 with 41 objections out of 219 responses to the consultation.

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It came after a sustained campaign from residents concerned about safety along the A44, including protesters dressing as the Pokemon character Pikachu to raise awareness in 2022.

Residents protest by the 'dangerous' A44 in December 2023 (Image: Cyrus Mower)

In December 2023 that year a group of residents also gathered to protest outside the Black Prince pub to urge action from the council branding the A44 the "highway to hell".

Campaigners said families were "risking their lives" when walking by the road with narrow pavements providing little protection against the lorries, tractors, vans and thousands of cars passing the only pedestrian connection from old Woodstock to the rest of the town.

Woodstock resident Oli Lanestead, who ran the analysis, said: “The new speed limit is still in its early days, and while it may take more time for full compliance, the early indicators are promising.

"Manor Road is slowly becoming less of a hazard, and more of a shared space for everyone - a place where pedestrians can walk without the constant worry of speeding traffic.

"It’s a testament to the power of local action and a reminder that, even in small communities like Woodstock, we have the ability to shape our environment for the better.”

Hilary Brown from Sustainable Woodstock, who campaigned for the limit, added: “This data-driven approach offers an encouraging sign that community-led efforts, combined with the power of information, can help create safer roads for all.

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"This shows that people can come together to make a difference, whether it’s through speaking up at council meetings, creating awareness, or using technology to gather evidence.”

Oxfordshire County Council will evaluate the 20mph project following its completion at the end of the 2024-25 financial year, including its effect on vehicle speeds and safety, and also on the choice of travel modes.

Additionally, the views of the local councils participating in the project will be sought.

If a limit is not judged to be working, a change to the speed limit may be proposed, including increasing a limit from 20mph to 30mph subject to a further statutory consultation, it said.