Town councillor proposes changes following death of pedestrian in Oakham

By Grace Kennington 31st Mar 2026

Local News by Grace Kennington 31st Mar 2026

20mph speed limit suggested following fatal collision with a pedestrian (Photo: Grace Kennington)

A town councillor has suggested a new 20mph speed limit, following the death of a pedestrian after a crash on Oakham High Street.

On Wednesday 25 March, Police were called to a collision on Oakham High Street, involving a female pedestrian in her 60s and a white Ford Transit van.

The male driver of the van was not injured but the woman was taken to hospital in a serious condition and died on Friday 27 March.

The incident caused shockwaves through the community, prompting Oakham Town Councillor Paul Ainsley, former Mayor, to speak out.

He said: 'Our community has been deeply affected by the recent tragic accident in Oakham town centre.

'It has prompted many of us to reflect on how we can make our streets safer for everyone.

'Introducing a 20mph speed limit is a practical and effective step that would reduce the risk and severity of collisions and create a calmer environment for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers alike.

'Oakham deserves safer streets, and lowering the speed limit is a responsible action we can take now to prevent further harm.'

------------------

Free from clickbait, pop-up ads and unwanted surveys, Oakham Nub News is a quality online newspaper for Oakham and Rutland.

Subscribe to our FREE weekly newsletter email HERE- just click the 'SIGN UP' button.

Please consider following Oakham Nub News on Facebook and Twitter.

CHECK OUT OUR Jobs Section HERE!
oakham vacancies updated hourly!
Click here to see more: oakham jobs

The Ball is in your court. Our long-term GOAL is to help our local community to grow.

On our part, we are making a connection between local news, local people and local businesses. It is the key to community success.

Now the ball is in your court.
You can support us with a small payment or at least read us for free.
Take a shot yourself and then pass the ball to your friends!

The Ball is in your court. Our long-term GOAL
is to help our local community to grow.

On our part, we are making a connection between local news, local people and local businesses.
This connection is the key to community success.

Now the ball is in your court.
You can support us with a small payment or at least read us for free.
Take a shot yourself and then pass the ball to your friends!

Monthly supporters will enjoy:
Ad-free experience

Comments (2)

This discussion is now closed for comments.

I don't quite see why Oakham needs this, not that I argue against it. Oakham is busy, has traffic lights, pedestrian crossing and narrow streets - speeding is near impossible. How about actively policing the area instead. Speed limits are no use without enforcement.
Applies to the villages as well, not just one town. There have been more rural road deaths than in Oakham but they are ignored.

I cannot believe what I'm reading! Appalled is an understatement. It has taken the most devastating death of a local lady for someone to pipe up and say 'We should lower the speed limit'. The people of Oakham have ALWAYS deserved safer roads, not just now. Don't just SUGGEST it, do something about it NOW. This is always the case, let's just wait until an accident happens before we change things. How about we put preventative measures in place BEFORE something like this happens. I'm absolutely shocked to the core about this incident, my heartfelt condolences go out to her family at this most devastating time.