The Government has released its new road safety strategy, which is set to encourage councils to reduce more speed limits to 20mph in their areas. This move aims to make it easier for local authorities to introduce new 20mph zones, potentially creating further friction with drivers who view such limits as excessively slow.
Details of the New Strategy
The strategy includes updated guidance on how councils should set speed limits, emphasizing safety as the primary reason for reductions. It comes as Prime Minister Keir Starmer prepares to leave Downing Street, likely to be replaced by Andy Burnham. However, the road safety strategy remains unaffected by the leadership change.
Twenty mph zones have become increasingly common in recent years, particularly in London, Wales, and parts of Birmingham. While they are often imposed near schools for safety reasons, there have been complaints that they are overused unnecessarily.
Statistics and Reactions
New figures from the RAC reveal that more than 30,000 UK motorists were caught driving at 30mph or faster on roads with a 20mph limit last year. The Government's road safety strategy states: "Local authorities and National Highways play the lead role in ensuring safe speed limits are set on England’s roads. Following research and consultation, the Government will publish a new edition of the best practice guidance ‘Setting Local Speed Limits’ and will update separate guidance on the use of speed and red light cameras. This is to support authorities to make the best decisions about managing speed on the roads they are responsible for."
Impact on Drivers
The expansion of 20mph zones is likely to generate mixed reactions. While safety advocates welcome the move, many drivers express frustration at the slower speeds, arguing that they can lead to increased journey times and congestion. The Government, however, maintains that the primary goal is to reduce accidents and save lives.
