Xavier Brice Chief Executive at Sustrans, the walking and cycling charity, responds to a Government-commissioned study into 20mph speed limits on roads which has found there is insufficient evidence that a 20mph speed limit has led to a significant reduction in the number of casualties in English residential areas:
“Lowering vehicle speed in built up residential areas to 20mph not only improves safety for our most vulnerable road users, but can hugely alter their perception of the dangers of traffic associated with cycling and walking on busy roads. This is why Sustrans would like residential areas to have a default speed limit of 20mph.
“This perceived danger can deter many people from travelling by bike or foot in our towns and cities. According to our 2018 ‘Women: reducing the gender gap’ report, 77% of women feel that cycling safety needs to be improved in their city and 73% never ride a bike.
“There is also a well-established body of evidence that shows slower speed limits results in fewer collisions and that when collisions do happen injuries are much less severe. Recent research into Bristol’s 20mph limits by the University of the West of England has shown that they save lives and also benefit Bristol’s economy by as much as £15 million per year.
“We need to continue to make our streets safer for people to walk and cycle and increase people’s perception of safety. There is no denying that lower speed limits make our streets safer, more inclusive and attractive for all.
“We strongly support the need for universal speed limits for all urban areas across the UK.”
For more information, images and interviews please contact:
Anna Galandzij, Senior Press Officer at Sustrans, anna.galandzij@sustrans.org.uk, 07557 915648
Liv Denne, Press and Media Officer at Sustrans, liv.denne@sustrans.org.uk, 07768 035318
from News http://www.sustrans.org.uk/news/20mph-research-study-sustrans-response
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