The Labour government under Prime Minister Andy Burnham is poised to make significant decisions on speed limits across England, following a series of consultations on its Road Safety Strategy. The strategy, published in January, sparked five separate consultations that ran from January to May, and the government has committed to reporting on the feedback within three months of their closure—meaning an update is imminent, likely by mid-August.
What the Strategy Proposes
In the Road Safety Strategy, the government outlined its intention to "publish a new edition of the best practice guidance 'Setting Local Speed Limits' and update separate guidance on the use of speed and red-light cameras." This move is part of a broader effort to address the 'Fatal Four'—speeding, drink driving, not wearing a seatbelt, and using a mobile phone—which are the leading causes of road fatalities and serious injuries.
The strategy emphasizes that "Speed is one of the 'Fatal Four' and safe speeds are a vital pillar of the Safe System. Speed limits are designed to reduce the likelihood and impact of collisions. Local authorities are responsible for setting appropriate speed limits in their areas and the government provides comprehensive guidance to these authorities on doing so."
Who Sets Speed Limits?
Currently, local authorities and National Highways play the lead role in ensuring safe speed limits are set on England's roads. The government's new guidance aims to support these bodies in making better decisions about speed management. The strategy states: "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."
This update is part of a wider trend towards devolving transport decision-making to regional mayors. The strategy highlights "Integrated Settlements" as a mechanism to consolidate central government funding for transport and local infrastructure, alongside other functions such as economic development, housing, and environmental policy.
Impact on Local Authorities
Through these Integrated Settlements, the government is consolidating over £6 billion in transport funding, demonstrating a commitment to giving local leaders greater flexibility. This means that mayors and local councils will have more say in how speed limits are set in their areas, potentially leading to variations across the country.
The upcoming report on the consultations is expected to provide clarity on how the government will proceed. With Andy Burnham now at the helm, the decisions will fall under his remit, and road safety campaigners are watching closely.
In the meantime, drivers across England should be aware that speed limit changes could be on the horizon, and local authorities may soon have new tools and guidance to adjust limits as they see fit. The exact nature of these changes will become clearer once the government publishes its response to the consultations, which is anticipated in the coming weeks.
