20’s Plenty for Us welcomes the government’s adoption of the internationally recognised Safe System approach – something that 20’s Plenty for Us had been calling for. A Safe System clearly requires 20mph speed limits in urban/village areas.

Recent research from Wales and London shows that introducing 20mph limits in built-up areas reduces road casualties by around 25%. With half of all casualties occurring on 30mph roads, Local Authorities can deliver an immediate 12% reduction towards the government’s 65% casualty target by implementing wide area 20mph.

For those walking, the impact will be even greater, as six out of every ten casualties occur on 30mph roads.

Introducing 20mph will make a particularly welcome contribution to reducing casualties among children, with 70% of casualties among young people walking or cycling occurring on 30mph roads.

20’s Plenty for Us calls on the UK Government to revise its guidance to Local Authorities on Setting Local Speed Limits to give greater direction and support, making it easier and cheaper for them to set 20mph in urban areas and village centres.

Rod King MBE, Founder and Chair, 20’s Plenty for Us CIC commented

“We welcome the UK government's Road Safety Strategy and its commitment to reducing casualties by 65% over the next 10 years. Crucially, its delivery needs  early interventions that can be widely deployed without huge cost, engineering or technical complications.

With 20mph as an urban/village norm recognised and proven as the foundation for any Safe System, delivery of the strategy must include an early adoption of 20mph in villages, towns and cities in the rest of the UK, as has already been achieved in Wales and Scotland. We look forward to assisting the government in this by participating in the new Road Safety Board.”

ENDS

----------------------

Notes to Editors

• 20’s Plenty for Us CIC (company number 15510973) supports communities throughout the UK and internationally who want their place to be a better place to be. Its vision is for a 20mph speed limit wherever people and motor vehicles mix, with 30mph targeted where it’s evidentially safe for vulnerable road users.
• 20’s Plenty for Us CIC is non-party political and receives no governmental funding.
• For more information about 20’s Plenty for Us, please visit our website https://www.20splenty.org/ or email [email protected]