Parish and Town Councils that support 20mph speed limits where people live, work and play show that they care about local community wishes and demonstrate that support to the Local Highway Authority.

Establishing broad community support is key to making 20mph the standard in a local area. The local Highway Authority sets speed limits, puts up signs, and makes road changes through a Traffic Regulation Order. Places in England, such as Cornwall, Oxfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Lancashire, as well as the whole of Wales (2023) and Scotland (by 2025), have made 20mph the default speed limit in their settlements. In these places, 30mph will be the exception and on used on roads that are safe for all users, especially pedestrians, children, and the elderly. 

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

The template resolution and a briefing sheet are available below

Why 20mph?

1. Safer: The UK’s Department for Transport estimates that a 1mph speed speed reduction in built-up areas reduces casualties by 6%. National default 20mph in Wales has led to 28% fewer casualties[1].
2. Cleaner and quieter: 20mph reduces tail-pipe emissions by 25% compared with 30mph and is 50% quieter.
3. Healthier: Slower speeds help to build inclusive communities where people and their activities are prioritised.
4. Popular: National and local surveys show 70% support for 20mph in residential streets. Support grows once it's introduced.
5. Accepted: As well as being standard in many places in England, throughout Wales 20mph and (by end of 2025) in Scotland^[2], 20mph is global best practice where people mix with motor traffic.
6. Compliance: 20mph is as enforceable as any speed limit. Even without extra police enforcement, speeds can drop by up to 6mph on faster roads.
7. Cost effective: 20mph brings economic, social, and environmental benefits at a low cost. Simple signs are enough to remind drivers, without the need for physical changes or extra enforcement.
8. Little impact on journey times: In built-up areas, 20mph limits don’t usually affect travel time or bus schedules since congestion and crossings are the main factors.
9. Reduced cost for drivers: as well as lower speeds requiring less fuel, drivers can benefit from reduced insurance premia where 20mph is introduced widely^[3]

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

[1] https://www.20splenty.org/wales_1st_12_months.

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

[3] https://www.20splenty.org/20mph_brings_lower_car_insurance_costs_for_drivers

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