Parish and Town Councils that adopt a resolution in favour of 20mph where people live, work and play not only reflect local community wishes but demonstrate that support to the local Highway Authority.

Demonstrating widespread local community support is critical to implementing 20mph across a local authority.  The local Highway Authority sets local speed limits, erects signs and changes road features via a Traffic Regulation Order.  Authorities in England such as Cornwall, Oxfordshire and Lancashire, have agreed 20mph for every settlement, as has Wales (in 2023) and Scotland (by 2025). In all of those places, 30mph is becoming the exception and will be limited to roads that are demonstrably safe for all road users, particularly pedestrians, children and the elderly.

30 million people already live where 20mph is, or soon will be the norm.

Anna Semlyen explains in more detail how Parish Councils can go about getting 20mph for their place:

The template motion and Parish Council briefing sheets can be downloaded below

Why 20mph?

1. Safer: The UK’s Department for Transport estimates that a 1mph lower speed in built-up areas reduces road casualties by 6%. Successful 20mph schemes result in 30% fewer casualties.
2. Cleaner (and quieter): 20mph reduces tail-pipe emissions by 25% compared with 30mph and is 50% quieter.
3. Healthier: 20mph helps to remove the blight of vehicle speed and builds inclusive communities where human activity, including walking, cycling and social interaction, takes
   first place.
4. Popular: National and local surveys consistently find 70% support in residential streets; such support rises after 20mph limits are introduced.
5. Accepted as normal by UK local authorities where 30m people live, including all of Wales where 20mph is already the default speed on restricted roads^[1] and in Scotland by 2025^[2]. 20mph is global best practice where people mix with motor traffic.
6. Compliance: 20mph is as enforceable as any speed limit. Even with no additional police enforcement, speeds reduce by up to 6mph on faster roads.
7. Affordable (and cost effective): Multiple economic, societal and environmental benefits at low cost. Entry signs plus repeaters remind drivers with no need for physical calming or additional enforcement.
8. Little journey time impact: Congestion, junctions and crossings are the determining factors in built up areas and 20mph rarely affects journey times or bus timetables.

Signed schemes with public engagement are successful and cost-effective!

[1] Default speed limits are set by national governments. Local Highway Authorities can choose 20mph as the norm for residential streets and town and village centres and make 30mph the exception where demonstrably safe.

[2] https://www.20splenty.org/scotgov_says_20splenty

1. Local Council motion and briefing (PDF)
2. Local Council motion and briefing (Word)