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SEVEN.. Reducing, managing and taming traffic
Area-wide residential 20 mph speed limit zones
Excessive speed is the Number One factor dissuading people from cycling and walking. Simple and understandable area-wide 20mph and 30mph limits are needed by 2020
In general, we believe that residential areas should be subject to 20 mph speed limits.
Excessive traffic speed is the number one factor in dissuading people from using bikes, hardly surprising when you consider that in a collision between a cyclist and a car travelling at between 30 and 40 mph the chances of death or serious injury are extremely high. A 20 mph speed limit could mean the difference between life and death, as well as improving the pleasantness of streets and providing scope for them being used more for recreation.
The Campaign is pushing for area-wide speed limits. These would be appropriate in places such as the city centre, built-up residential areas like Petersfield and new developments such as Arbury Park.
And it’s important that the limits are area-wide to iron out inconsistencies. Speed limits that change from 20 mph to 30 mph and back again on a street by street basis are very confusing for drivers and result in excessive signage.
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