Wokingham Borough Council is to reduce speed limits despite a lack of support from residents.

The plans to change the speed limit from 30mph to 20mph at locations in Woodley and Earley had not been backed widely by members of the community in a consultation last October.

However, the council has confirmed that it will be proceeding with the changes, which will see roadworks begin next week.

A council newsletter last week highlighted the safety reasons behind the move, explaining that the scheme would be going ahead despite the majority of respondents objecting to the limits in the consultation last year.

The council has since apologised for the wording of the email, which it says had oversimplified the matter.

The speed adjustment comes as part of the council’s plans to provide a new walking and cycling route from Woodley to Reading, with the aim of boosting sustainable transport across the borough.

Cllr Stephen Conway, leader of Wokingham Borough Council, said: ‘We did not ignore residents. Consultation feedback informed the decision, but consultations are not votes and do not determine outcome by majority rule. We must consider safety evidence, national guidance and the needs of all road users alongside the views expressed.’

Cllr Conway said that in the consultations, ‘many raised general views rather than issues with the detail of the scheme’ and highlighted that ‘no new issues were raised that had not already been carefully considered during the design stages.’

He added: ‘Strong evidence shows that lower speeds improve road safety and wider engagement shows clear support for safer roads. Taken together, these factors informed the decision to introduce 20mph limits as a necessary part of the new walking and cycling route from Woodley to Reading.’