How Public Health Professionals Can Help Win 20mph Limits

Most Public health (PH) professionals see that 20mph limits offer huge population-wide benefits such as reducing the health burden of crashes, chronic diseases, inactivity, stress, pollution, loneliness and inequalities. Public Health can be key players. Continue reading

20's Plenty for London - Nov 17 Update

London is making excellent progress in adopting wide-area 20mph limits across its many boroughs. Already 43% of all Londoners are living on 20mph roads and streets with a 20mph speed limit (3.7 million out of a total population of 8.7 million). In the Inner London boroughs more than three-quarters (76%) of the population is living on 20mph streets and roads (2.3m out of a 3.1m population).     Continue reading

More 20mph Council Myths

Councillors and council officers don’t always tell the truth on 20mph limits. Here we bust some more of the common myths. See also part 1 http://www.20splenty.org/council_myths about A and B roads, current average speeds over 24mph, unsupportive police and collision history. Continue reading

30mph is Unjust and Unjustified: Choose 20mph

There is no justification for 30mph as the national speed limit. 20’s Plenty for Us say far too many people are hurt on 30mph roads. 30mph is unjust and unjustified. 20mph is safer and best practice. It results in 20% fewer casualties – about 21,000 p/a. Continue reading

Islands are Ideal for 20mph limits

Islands are ideal places for slower speeds due to sea boundaries, less through traffic, attracting tourists and cyclists. Also aging and pockets of deprived populations that can hugely benefit from better safety.  20mph limits prevent 20% of casualties[1]. [1] http://www.20splenty.org/we_love_our_safer_20mph_limits Continue reading

Ensuring That Councillors Make Informed Decisions on 20mph

Councillors are elected people with powers to set road speed limits locally. They are busy and do not have expertise on transport, public health or duty of care, so often take officer advice.  Ensuring they make informed decisions is key.  Activists can aim to feed Councillors ‘oven ready’, easy to digest, evidence of popular support for 20mph. Bullet point facts and myth busting by email and phone before the vote is how to ensure a YES!    Continue reading

Set Up a #SlowDown Photo Opportunity for UN Global Road Safety Week 8-14 May

Images and photos matter to slower speeds activism. Thinking about, and setting up, a photo opportunity is a key part of doing a successful #SlowDown day and press release to ask for, or celebrate, slower speeds in the Fourth UN Global Road Safety Week. 8-14 May 2017. The theme is Save Lives: #SlowDown Continue reading

Costs and benefits for 3 options for implementing 20mph limits in Scotland

Summary of Costs and Benefits of 3 Options for Scottish Road Speeds – The Impact of the 20mph National Default Limit We give our best estimates of the options for rolling out 20mph limits across Scotland. The country will have the benefit of learning from the success of other country 20mph/30kmh implementations, especially England where 25% of the population lives in local authorities who are or have already implemented 20mph limits for most roads. But Scotland can follow the "English" way by implementing authority by authority subject to local political support and funding, or take a more radical and cost effective route by making a national plan for country-wide implementation. This allows the avoidance of the need for repeater signs on 20mph roads and simplifies the whole implementation process. Local authorities will still be able to nominate roads which will remain at 30mph as exceptions. Here we present our best estimates of the cost and benefits for each. Transport Scotland will be well placed with its access to street and road detail to produce a more accurate costing and we would be pleased to work with them on such an exercise. Continue reading

20mph Signage Regulation Changes

Signing 20mph speed limits has become easier and dramatically cheaper. Repeater signs are now optional. Half the terminal (start/end of limit) signs are required. A minimally signed scheme stipulates 70% fewer capital items. Total costs fall by 40%. Cost per head falls from £2.50 to £1.50 Continue reading

Casualty and Physical Inactivity Costs

DfT have a calculation which assesses the costs of fatal, serious and non-serious casualties. We have linked the 2015 casualty stats for each local authority to this formula so that you can see the cost for your area.Public Health England also make an assessment of the costs of physical inactivity. Based on your authority's population we can show this for your area. We have also shown an approximate one-off cost of implementing 20mph limits across the authority based on the typical £3 per head of population. This is then shown as a percentage of the total annual casualty and physical inactivity costs. Whilst it is accepted that this is an approximation and may vary according the distribution of population it does show that put against the annual casualties and physical inactivity costs, the one-off cost of 20mph limits is minimal and typically less than 1%. These calculations are available in a spreadsheet which you can download here. Once downloaded then after "allowing editing" simply select the blue cell and then use the drop-down box to select your authority.  

A Bike’s Not Just for Christmas. Give A 20mph Limit Too!

Many thousands of young people will get a bike this Christmas. Depending on age, a bike represents an amazing gift of independent mobility - freedom to roam. But, will they be allowed?  What about giving us all 20mph limits so that getting about is safer at any age? This power is in the gift of local councillors. Ask your Councillors for 20mph today Continue reading

20mph Limit Compliance & Enforcement

In areas where the council has adopted wide-area 20mph limit the ideal is for drivers to see how voluntary compliance is best for all. A new social norm develops - e.g. drink driving is no longer accepted. Developing a social consensus involves joint working between agencies - Council, public health and police. Driver education, signs, lines, narrowing, telematics, pacer vehicles, speedwatch volunteers, warnings, fixed penalty notices, cameras, speed awareness courses and court summons all amplify and reinforce compliance. Humps add to pollution and so are a last resort. Continue reading

How to set up a 20mph campaign

20’s Plenty for Us helps volunteers to persuade elected Councillors to agree to 20mph limits. We recruit and assist people to be effective local activists for 20mph limit signs and education. Anyone can use our resources and advice to make lobbying easier. 20’s Plenty for Us is the leading UK campaign for 20mph. We are FREE to join. Contact us today to help you get civilised speeds. Continue reading

20’s Plenty for Bolton Success

Alwynne Cartmel of Little Lever initiated the campaign for wide 20mph in Bolton in 2011 with 20’s Plenty for Us. Alan Johnson of the Green Party pushed it ahead with a petition in 2013 with hundreds of signatures. Campaigners got the local press involved and leafletted door to door.   Continue reading

20mph cuts air and noise pollution to prevent blighted lives

20mph limits massively cut toxic diesel emissions. 40,000 die early pa[1] from outdoor fumes – 23 times more than in crashes[2]. 20mph is equivalent to taking over half the petrol cars off the road. Traffic noise also blights lives. 20mph halves perceived noise compared to 30mph. We can’t see pollution, yet it affects our physical and mental health. Demand 20mph today! Photo: BLF https://www.blf.org.uk/take-action/campaign/clean-air [1] https://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/projects/outputs/every-breath-we-take-lifelong-impact-air-pollution Every breath we take [2] https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/556396/rrcgb2015-01.pdf 1730 fatalities 2015 Continue reading

Get and Win a 20mph Limit Council Motion

25% of the UK population live in local authorities where 20mph is normal for most urban and village roads.  Start with a survey, petition or gaining support from councillors or election candidates in manifestos. Speak direct to Councillors and the Director of Public Health. Public meetings are another route. Request that 20mph appears as a motion on Council agendas. Then lobby Councillors to promise their support.   Open PDF Continue reading

20's Plenty for London Update - Sep 16

We are delighted at the progress on implementing borough-wide 20mph limits in London. Our September update shows how London is well on its way to becoming a 20mph city. Continue reading

How you can help

Three quarters say 20mph is the right speed limit for most streets. It is best practice where there are pedestrians and cyclists such as home streets, town centres, shopping areas and where people work or go to school.  You can request 20mph signs. Continue reading

Welsh National Default 20mph - 8 times cheaper than town by town

The Welsh Government can lead on a 20mph default for built up roads. Default 20mph is eight times cheaper than each Local Authority signing 20mph where people and motor traffic mix.  LA’s funding each locality is £9.5-£10.7m more than a national default. We urge Ministers to choose road danger reduction at source for all and choose default 20mph. The approx. £2m cost is only 0.3% of the Welsh trunk road capital budget.  Continue reading

20mph Makes Streets Fit for Walking and Cycling

Is our built environment part of the problem of us moving our bodies less and can it also be a solution? A recent report from Public Health England clearly cites the need to make changes to enhance active travel. 20mph limits can help our public realm be better for more people to walk and cycle regularly. The rationale is simple - provide safer spaces and people will use them.  Continue reading

National 20mph limit for Scotland is 8 times cheaper than authority by authority

The Scottish Government can lead on a 20mph default for built up roads. Default 20mph is eight times cheaper than each Local Authority signing 20mph where people and motor traffic mix.  LA’s funding each locality is £13.5-£15m more than a national default. We urge Ministers to choose road danger reduction at source for all and choose default 20mph. The £2m cost is only 0.3% of Scotland’s trunk road capital budget.  Continue reading

20's Plenty for Cheshire West and Chester - Progress

Over many years the campaign in Chester has been making the case for 20mph limits for residential and busy streets. Now Cheshire West and Chester Council have adopted a 20mph policy which is being rolled out. Here, local campaign leader Wyn Holroyd chronicles the progress made. Continue reading

How authority-wide 20’s Plenty beats isolated physically calmed zones in value for money and cost effectiveness

For some it could seem counterintuitive to applaud a network-wide 1-2mph speed reduction. However, wide 20mph limits are highly cost effective. What seems, at first, like a small reduction in speeds benefits society at large. Shared gains add up. Wide 20mph limits are efficient, affordable, cost-effective, fair, understandable, rapid to install and healthy. Continue reading

Buckden Village

General concern by a number of parents about speeds around the school and a fatality motivated action.  More signage, Speedwatch and traffic calming were initial options. Amy Burbidge knew of 20s Plenty and suggested that 20mph throughout Buckden would be both cheaper and faster to deliver.  Support from Villagers was galvanised quickly with a petition which grew to 700+ names.  Advances came from a team of willing helpers (including Rick Screaton, who plans military campaigns as a career!) who focused on lobbying the, initially reluctant, Parish Council.  Consistent, helpful support was received from the County Councillor, MP, local businesses, school, nurseries and GP Surgery.  The Village Summer Festival was great for gaining interest with 20s Plenty games and 20mph roundel biscuit decorating.  Twitter and Facebook have raised awareness.  A3 bin stickers are displayed prominently through the Village. Yet, most of the support demonstrated was from a traditional paper petition in key village locations and by talking to people.     All this helped persuade the Parish Council (plus three 20s Plenty campaigners joining the Council as Councillors!) to vote for 20mph for over third of Buckden.  Area-wide limit funds were applied for from Cambridge County Council under the Local Highways Initiative grants for up to 90% funding to be matched by the Parish Council.     Amy said “We are perhaps lucky in that Cambridgeshire seems very supportive of area wide 20mph, having done so much in Cambridge city centre so the real challenge was persuading the Parish Council”.   The area-wide limit bid was successful, yet the Parish Council is nervous to implement it as their polling shows just under half of respondents don't want to change the status quo.   The compromise is a large zone for a third the Village.     Scheme design and final costings are for spring/summer with implementation by the end of 2016 for about £5,000.  Ongoing monitoring and surveys are planned to use this success as a first phase with the campaign continuing to tackle the rest of Buckden.

Funding 20mph Limits

20 mph limits are fantastic value for money with huge first year rates of return.  Spending on all roads benefits every resident. Many different funds can pay for 20mph - which costs about £2.50-£3 per head. A national default 20mph limit would be cheaper due to fewer repeater signs, traffic orders and marketing. Cardiff propose using motoring fines.  Continue reading

20mph is a ‘Vaccination’ for Built Up Area Residents

20mph limits are proven to prevent road injury, and reduce fear, fumes, noise and loneliness. Like universal vaccination, 20mph limits cost effectively raise public health in built up areas - due to less danger and greater physical exercise. Not to bring in 20mph could be grossly negligent.  Continue reading

20mph Council Myth Buster

Whilst many urban councils have pressed ahead with 20mph limits, some County and, particularly Shire Councils have not always told the truth if reluctant to implement 20mph. We bust the common 20mph myths. Continue reading

20mph: A Litmus Test of Public Health Outdoors

Road injuries hurt an estimated 1% of people a year and its rising. Tackling road risk is key to public health improvement outdoors for all ages. Community-wide 20mph limits confer huge health economic returns in casualties avoided and in active travel exercise gains.   Continue reading

Green Liberal Democrats article Reprint

Article on 20's Plenty reprinted from the Green Liberal Democrat Magazine. Rod King makes the case for a national 20mph default urban limit by 2020 Thanks for permission to reprint Continue reading

20mph Helps Children Reach Places to Play Out

Children are recommended an hour of active play daily, ideally outdoors.  With wide area 20mph limits they can more safely reach the best play locations.  20mph is child protection.  It encourages parents to allow kids out so children can move, be fit, sporty, explore, have fun and see friends. Playing out  encourages walking or cycling to school.  Continue reading

20’s Plenty - The Foundation for Active Travel

Being active is the ‘wonder drug’ that more Britons should be taking regularly.  The greatest gains in health are from regular activities like walking or cycling locally.  20mph speed limits are a crucial platform for people to choose active travel. All local transport methods and journeys become safer and more pleasant. 20mph helps keep people safe and gets their legs moving more often! Continue reading

Campaigners - Get 20mph on Group Meetings/Agendas

Successful ways to campaign for 20mph limits include demonstrating community support to local politicians. Getting on the agenda of each major Party political group meeting can really help councillors to understand and vote for a Total 20mph policy. Win by speaking direct to those with power to set local road speeds Continue reading

Prioritise 20mph: A 'Can Do' Policy for all Residents

Elected representatives must prioritise which policy ideas to action first based on factors like maximising the benefits, how easy policies are to deliver, achieving cross-party consensus, manifesto promises and responding to community asks. 20mph limits tick all the boxes since they benefit all age groups, genders and rich and poor alike. 20mph limits are a proven, affordable, popular and ‘can-do’ policy. Continue reading

20mph: Think BIG for BIG Results & Culture Change

  Many communities want a culture change in how public spaces are shared.  It takes a shift in thinking for BIG results - away from car dominance towards streets for people.  Wide area 20mph limits are essential to move us in the right direction in our travel and exercise habits. Public Health and many other things improve at 20mph.    Continue reading

Local Transport Today interview with 20's Plenty for Us Founder

Andrew Forster, editor of the UK’s Local Transport Today magazine, interviewed 20’s Plenty for Us founder, Rod King MBE. We reprint their article in its entirety.  Continue reading

Middle Way Interview

20's Plenty for Us were approached by The Middle Way Society and held an interview with Rod King on the way that the the way that the campaign has developed. Hear the podcast. Continue reading

View from Berlin

Heike Aghte from Berlin is one of the leading campaigners for setting default 20mph or 30km/h limits in Europe and attended our 2015 20mph places conference in Cambridge on March 12th. Here we reproduce her notes on the conference. Continue reading

Our latest briefing on 20mph limits in London

We provide an update on the state of 20mph adoption in London Boroughs. Continue reading

20mph for Human Rights to Freedom of Movement

20mph limits support our universal rights to freedom of movement, clean air and freedom from intimidation.  Authorities who civilise roads with 20mph limits care about public health and child protection. 20mph supports fairness and public sector equality duties. Continue reading

Transitioning to National 20

 Presentation made by Rod King at the "20mph It's Miles Better" conference, Cambridge, 12th Mar 2015 Continue reading

Winning with 20mph: Awards and Desirability

Warrington has won 20mph awards and praise as has Brighton.  Bristol was voted ‘most desirable city’ in the UK. Cambridge, Britain’s innovation centre, also has 20mph limits.  The UK’s most celebrated places are winning prestigious prizes for 20mph. Continue reading

NICE Backs 20mph Speed Limit for Public Health

A new NICE review on tackling the causes of early death reminds Local Authorities that 20mph offers huge public health gains. At £3 per head of population, 20mph is cost effective as the recommended speed limit for child protection and to support public sector equality duties. Continue reading

The 20mph Vision and Best Practice Implementation

Democratically create and agree a vision of 20mph streets. Then engage and implement it. Continue engaging about it with residents and enforce it for better driver compliance. Continue reading

We love our safer 20mph limits

We’re celebrating 20mph. People love 20mph limits as they are proven safer and healthier. 20mph is nearly fatality-free (3% vs 20% fatalities at 30mph). Both UK results and published literature says we are better protected on 20mph streets. Those who care want 20mph limits. Continue reading

Lessons learnt on 20mph limit implementation

Hindsight informs future best practice. We ask “What could be done differently?” 20mph implementers have shared their experience in a Brake webinar and with 20’s Plenty for Us. Continue reading

Time for 20mph Limits Across Central London like Paris

London is lagging behind Paris and other capitals on road speed policy. To stay competitive for tourists and to increase quality of life for residents and workers, it’s time for a 20mph speed limit across Central London Continue reading

Public Health wants 20mph Limits

Public Health leaders are increasingly identifying wide-area 20mph limits as key for liveability & health equality. Speed reduction tackles risk, inactivity, obesity, isolation & is child, disability, elderly & dementia friendly. Continue reading

Busting the 20mph Limit Myths

Here we "bust" all the 20mph myths that opponents so often use as an argument against implementing an appropriate limit for residential, urban and village streets Continue reading

Are DfT Guidelines on 20mph being misrepresented by your shire county

In its latest guidance the DfT is very supportive of 20mph limits, yet some shire county 20mph policies do not reflect this. Continue reading

Older People Deserve 20mph Limits

Does your Local Authority value older people? Vulnerability due to slow to heal injuries, delayed reactions, slower movements, instability and eye problems mean that older people gain a lot from 20mph limits. Continue reading