A panel of experts has presented evidence to the Transport Committee in favor of a lower 20mph speed limit in English towns and cities, stating it could reduce fatalities and injuries by 10-15%.
The proposed change is part of the government’s wider road safety strategy rethink, which aims to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on the roads by 65% by 2035.
The panel, which included Adrian Barendt, director of the campaign group 20’s Plenty for Us, and Phil Jones, chairman of the transport planning company PJA, made it clear that they support a blanket 20mph limit across England.
Lilli Matson, chief safety, health and environment officer for Transport for London, said: ‘reducing speed is at the heart of making roads safer. It’s the first and most important systemic change that the government and local governments can make.’
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Matson highlighted her experience in Central London, where the 20mph limit was introduced in 2020, resulting in a 24% reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured.
She also noted that the lower limit ‘changed the feel of those roads’ by ‘making them places where people do want to live, walk, cycle, play.’
Rob Török, a pre-critical care doctor, echoed Matson’s comments, saying: ’20mph limits nationally set or nationally prioritised – urgently – would save countless numbers of people from injury and harm and cost.’
Barendt was critical of the government’s proposed road safety strategy, stating that it hasn’t prescribed an enforceable lower speed limit to protect the most vulnerable road users.
The public response to the 20mph limit in Wales, which was introduced in 2023, was met with resistance.
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They will inform the government’s new road safety strategy with the findings of panel discussions, and it’s possible that the 20mph limit could be adjusted down in the future.
While the need to improve road safety is understood, the introduction of 20mph limits in every town may not be the most effective solution, as it could lead to increased pollution due to the need for lower gear and more engine revs.
A more careful and sensible approach to introducing the 20mph limit is needed.
It should consider its impact on emissions and education for vulnerable road users.
