New speed limit comes into force along the A4 in Slough

A new speed limit of 30mph along the whole length of the A4 in Slough has come into effect from this week.

Some stretches were previously 40mph, but the new reduced speed limit came into effect from Monday along the A4 (Bath Road, High Street, Wellington Street, Sussex Place, London Road, and up to Colnbrook By-Pass), as well as Sutton Lane.

The move looks to ‘make things consistent’ and promote safer travel.

The speed limit at the A4 Colnbrook By-Pass itself has been reduced from 60mph to 50mph.

The signage is in place and the new speed limit came into force from Monday.

The changes are part of the A4 Safer Roads Scheme, funded entirely by £1.7m from the Department of Transport’s Safer Roads Fund.

The scheme features a series of risk-reduction measures designed to aid in reducing and preventing accidents, from the Huntercombe crossroads at the boundary of the borough to the intersection of the M4 Junction 5 roundabout.

The measures include speed limit changes as well as average speed cameras.

Red-light camera systems also feature to detect red-light violations, speed, illegal turns and pedestrian crossing violations, and this is being implemented jointly with Thames Valley Police.

Measures also include road surface treatments to boost vehicle grip where needed, traffic signal improvements, and improved cycle and pedestrian crossings for ‘safe and sustainable transport’.

The removing of roadside hazards such as guardrails and other furniture to boost visibility for all road users is another feature, as well as decluttering to remove obstructions and improve visibility.

Councillor Paul Kelly, lead member for housing, highways, planning and transport, said: “The scheme is part of the Department for Transport’s Safer Roads Fund for road safety countermeasures, which we are implementing in Slough.

“These revised speed limits are the start of a wider programme of road safety countermeasures to make the A4 and other roads safer.

“Other changes will include average speed cameras, red-light camera systems, road surface treatments, improved pedestrian and cycle crossings, removal of roadside hazards and decluttering of street furniture.”

Approval to implement these road safety measures was given at Cabinet in November last year.