20mph limits have been voted on at Full Council on the Isle of Wight. The 20mph vote was won on Wednesday 19^th October.  80% of Councillors supported 20mph for built up areas. Councillor Julie Jones-Evans’ motion called for 20mph limits for “'residential streets, town and village centres, and where people work and learn.”  

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Cllr Jones-Evans organised a conference on 20mph limits on 5th October in Newport and invited Rod King MBE of 20’s Plenty for Us.  Cllr Jones-Evans said “The Island has the second highest number of people killed and injured on the road, of comparative areas[1].” For 20mph were 80% of councillors - 26 councillors with three against and three abstentions.   The decision still has to be considered by the Isle of Wight executive members. Supporters of 20mph await the decision on the roll out of 20mph as it is proven to reduce casualties, give a better environment for locals and tourists, offer savings in social care, better public health and more.  20mph limits are being embraced across the UK.  The majority of the largest 40 UK authorities have a 20mph policy including – City of London and 80% of inner London boroughs, Edinburgh and the centre of Belfast. Dublin, Paris, Milan and Grenoble are examples of European places announcing 30kph (18mph) limits too plus Seattle.

Cllr Jones Evans said:-  “The decision by Full Council to back 20mph in key areas is a massive leap forward and sends out a strong message that the IW Council wishes to build and strengthen our communities. I can't thank Rod King enough for attending the recent conference. Groups across the Island now feel empowered to make this change happen. This marks the beginning of long term engagement across the Island. I am pleased that the Town and Parish councils will be heavily involved as well as Public Health and other public bodies.”

Rod King MBE, Founder of 20’s Plenty for Us commented:- “What was clear from the conference was the call to address vehicle speeds on the island’s roads. Communities are being blighted by traffic speed with 30mph endorsed as the norm. Like so many other communities islanders want their streets to be better places that support residents and visitors who wish to walk, cycle and live within their villages and towns. Other counties and places are setting a 20mph standard for community roads and it makes sense for the Isle of Wight to look at how to gain these benefits as well”

20mph limits make our places better places to be. That’s why over 335 campaign groups of 20’s Plenty for Us, including Isle of Wight branches in Newport, Alverstone, Brading, Newbridge and Ningwood all lobby their Councillors for 20mph limits.