Safer

Everyone is more likely to notice hazards and stop in a timely way to avoid a crash. There are 22% fewer casualties[1]. Injuries are less serious. Fear of road danger reduces, increasing the trips by sustainable modes like walking, cycling and public transport.  Children need fewer escort trips with parents. Motorised traffic reduces and this further lowers road danger.

Cleaner & Greener

When 30km/h (18.6 mph) zones were implemented Germany, drivers changed gear 12% less often, braked 14% less and needed 12% less fuel[2], reducing pollution and climate impacts.

Efficient Roads

Slower speeds enable smoother flow of traffic therefore making better use of the roads[3]. Lower speeds also enable traffic to merge more easily.

Active

Up to 12% higher walking and cycling levels were found in Bristol[4]. Active lifestyles help to prevent obesity and heart disease. Exercise improves mental health too.

Health

Child protection is especially enhanced. Public health improves generally with cleaner air and as more people take regular exercise with active travel (eg cycling and even walking to the bus).  Loneliness reduces due to a better connected community. Health inequalities between rich and poor narrow.

Sociable

Those whose roads are not dominated by traffic have more local friends and known neighbours[5]. Children have more local playmates. Neighbourliness brings a culture of exchange, ‘looking out for each other’ and favours that further enhance quality of life through a stronger community.  

Accessible

The elderly, families with small children and those with mobility issues or without cars are more able to cross roads, reducing isolation.  20mph improves access to work, education and leisure opportunities to all.

Quieter

Compared to 30mph, 20mph means 3 decibels less traffic noise. People can more easily listen to each other and we all sleep better. In urban areas with speeds up to 35mph a 6mph reduction cuts noise by up to 40%[6]

Local Amenities

20mph limits help to keep businesses alive with local customers.  Small shops are better able to thrive, or at least compete with out of town shops or e-commerce. This means more sustainable, resilient communities.

Place not Empty Space

A sense of ‘place’ rather than just an empty space results when drivers slow down. Streets are no longer just thoroughfares, but a quality environment to savour, meet and even play.

Fair

20mph limits recognise and respect everyone’s equal rights to share space. Up to 40% of all UK public space is roads or car parks[7].

Extends Carfree Life-stages

Wide area 20mph limits extend the duration in which people will choose to not own a car. Young adults delay purchase and some people voluntarily give up a car earlier in life and use local facilities if they feel safe in a 20mph area.  16% of disposable income is freed up from car ownership for other uses.

Property Values

Pedestrianisation raises shop rental values. So does slower speeds. Property prices rise by up to 20 % where traffic speeds have reduced by 5-10mph[8]. This desirability premium proves that lower speeds are valued.