Public supports 20mph urban speed limits

78% of people think 20mph speed limits should be introduced as the norm in residential areas, around schools and in town centres, according to road safety charity Brake.

It comes as the charity introduces its GO 20 campaign, calling on politicians to support changing the default urban speed limit to 20mph.

Backlash at increase in 20mph areas predicted

On Bing: see pictures of 20mph zones

20mph zones are already widespread in some areas – with Brake claiming these areas have seen significant reductions in crashes. Camden saw a 54% reduction in collisions, while casualties in Portsmouth fell by 22%.

Out of 1,000 people surveyed, seven in 10 said roads in their town or village needed to be made safer for walking and cycling, while 81% said traffic travelled too fast on some or most of their local roads.

The charity argues that 20mph speed limits would improve public health and social activity as more people would feel safe to walk and cycle for local journeys, commuting or enjoyment.

Brake deputy chief executive, Julie Townsend:

“The GO 20 campaign is about defending everyone’s right to walk and cycle freely without being endangered, whether it’s to get to work, school, the shops, or just getting out and being active.

“With many people already reaping the benefits of living in 20mph areas, we’re reaching a point where it makes no sense to retain 30mph as the default limit in built-up areas. It’s time for the government to GO 20 nationally, to save councils money and help create safe, active, happy communities nationwide.”

Backlash at increase in 20mph areas predicted

Why the proposed 20mph zones won’t work

On Bing: see pictures of 20mph zones

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By motoringresearch.com