More 20mph speed limits could be introduced across Northampton under new council plans
More residential roads in Northampton could be given 20mph speed limits under proposals being considered by West Northamptonshire Council.
The authority has revealed plans to review speed limits across its local road network, with residential streets and areas used heavily by pedestrians potentially benefiting from lower restrictions.
The proposals form part of a draft Road Safety Strategy, which sets out how the council intends to reduce deaths and serious injuries on roads across West Northamptonshire up to 2045.
According to the document, existing speed limits are sometimes higher than appropriate for the surrounding environment, potentially increasing the severity of collisions.
The council intends to identify locations where introducing 20mph restrictions could improve safety, although no specific roads have yet been named.
The review is categorised as a longer-term action within the strategy, meaning any changes would not necessarily happen immediately.
The document also proposes greater use of speed monitoring, community speed watch schemes and targeted enforcement to address concerns about dangerous driving.
Council figures show speed-related factors were identified in nearly 43% of collisions recorded across West Northamptonshire during the past five years.
Councillor Richard Butler, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “Everyone should be able to travel safely, no matter how they choose to do it.
“Too many people are still being killed or seriously injured on our roads. We want to do everything we can to prevent that from happening.”
The council says its approach will combine appropriate speed limits with education, enforcement and changes to road layouts where necessary.
Residents are now being invited to comment on the proposals before the draft strategy is finalised.
Councillor Butler added: “This strategy sets out our ideas for making roads safer, but we want to hear what people think.”
The public consultation closes on December 6, 2026, with the final strategy expected to be considered by the council's cabinet in spring 2027.
Residents can submit their views through West Northamptonshire Council's website or attend a virtual drop-in session on November 23, between 10am and 11.30am, to discuss the proposals with council officers.