Myth

Reality

20mph vs 30mph journey time

20mph (esp side roads) doesn’t significantly alter trip times or inconvenience drivers.  Jams & stops do.  Constant 30mph is rare due to bends, junctions etc. Going fast between obstructions = extra wait at next stop. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZECXj_qQGL4&feature=youtu.be https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pW_fyuybDYw&noredirect=1

http://www.20splentyforuk.org.uk/BriefingSheets/20mph_Improves_Traffic_Flow.pdf

20mph is OK near schools in term time at drop off & pick up times only

80% of child casualties happen on non-school trips. Families need wide area limits for child protection from road injury – their top risk.  Older people are even more likely to die or be seriously injured – 20mph is 10 times safer (than 30mph) for 60+yr olds compared to 7x for others  http://www.20splentyforuk.org.uk/BriefingSheets/How_school_safety_zones_are_not_a_priority.pdf http://www.20splentyforuk.org.uk/BriefingSheets/older_people_deserve_20mph.pdf  http://www.20splentyforuk.org.uk/BriefingSheets/Wide_20mph_Limits_Help_Children_and_Families.pdf

Variable limits only eg not at night

Variable limit digital signs are costly & can’t go on a wide network. So limits end up inconsistent, confusing & don’t reduce fear of speed or increase active travel significantly.

Casualties fall, but what about Killed & Serious Injuries KSI?

Detractors cherry pick data, pointing to raised KSIs in some places - by tiny, insignificant amounts.  KSIs are rare events.  Small datasets are unreliable.  In most 20mph places KSI fall along with total casualties.

Numbers of injuries on 20mph roads

The number & length of 20mph roads is rising (& 30mph roads falling).  Absolute numbers of injuries on 20mph roads could rise, whilst casualties per km fall. Denominator matters!

Income generation from fines –

Compliance is by engagement, pacer vehicles, speed watch volunteers, warning letters, speed awareness courses, occasional enforcement days with a few Fixed Penalty Notices & very rare points or prosecutions http://www.20splentyforuk.org.uk/Press_Releases/Police_Toughen_20mph_Limit_Enforcement_Guidance.pdf

Drivers could lose their licences

Police are not using 20mph limits to add points to licences or remove driving rights http://www.20splentyforuk.org.uk/Press_Releases/Police_Toughen_20mph_Limit_Enforcement_Guidance.pdf

Speedometer watching distracting

Drivers must check their speed whatever the limit. Speedometer checking should happen at 20 & 30 & 40mph, especially in urban areas. Highway Code

On 20mph roads people might take more risks

20mph is 7-10 times safer than 30mph. It is unlikely that people become 7-10 times more careless where 20mph limits are signed.  Massive risk compensation is an unproven fallacy

http://www.20splentyforuk.org.uk/BriefingSheets/Wide_20mph_Limits_Are_Effective.pdf

Drivers don’t obey 30mph & won’t obey 20mph

Average & faster road speeds decrease eg in Portsmouth by 6-7 mph slower on previously 25mph+ roads. Even 1mph matters. Every 1mph less reduces casualties & severities by 6%

http://www.20splentyforuk.org.uk/BriefingSheets/Wide_20mph_Limits_Are_Effective.pdf

Educate pedestrians

Yes educate. Yet studies show road safety education alone hasn’t reduced casualties. Slower speeds works & is recommended by WHO. Don’t blame the victims! http://www.20splentyforuk.org.uk/BriefingSheets/Dont_blame_pedestrians.pdf

20mph & efficiency

Modern vehicles are efficient at 20mph. A lower gear isn’t always needed.  Fuel use and pollution fall due to smoother driving. http://www.20splentyforus.org.uk/BriefingSheets/pollutionbriefing.pdf

Popularity effects

Drivers want 20mph & support rises post implementation. It’s a vote winner! http://www.20splentyforus.org.uk/BriefingSheets/20mph_Support_Rises_Briefing.pdf

Nanny state

Drivers cannot self select the limit.  All UK roads have a limit  Highway Code

UK has safe roads

Not if you are a pedestrian or cyclist, where the UK is very high risk on international comparisons. Pedestrians are 24% of fatalities

Business effects

Businesses pick up the bill now for road danger & injuries. Profits  & tourism rise with slower speeds as footfall rise http://www.20splentyforuk.org.uk/BriefingSheets/Businesses%20Profit%20from%2020mph%20limits.pdf

http://www.20splentyforuk.org.uk/BriefingSheets/20mph_Attracts_Tourists.pdf