Wide-area 20mph schemes are already common in urban authorities and “20mph as a norm” is government policy in Wales[1] and Scotland[2]. Now, the desire for 20mph speed limits is sweeping across rural communities throughout the UK. County authorities are starting to answer a call to action from town and parish councils who are giving voice to local residents’ aspirations for 20’s Plenty.

[1] https://www.20splenty.org/welsh_20mph_report

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

Parish and Town Councils can pass motions supporting 20mph where people live, work and play.  As well as helping your place to achieve a 20mph speed limit, this helps other towns and villages by showing Highways Authority the demand for 20mph county-wide, making it both cheaper and easier to implement across the county.  

Global pressure is mounting on legislators to reset speed limits for #Streetsforlife – designed for flourishing human activities. Whether protecting humans and quality of life in Kent or Kenya, it’s 20mph/30kmh that’s global best practice where people mix with motors. Norming 20mph/30kmh is the sole call of the biennial UNGRSW by the UN and WHO. Local politicians must update policy to #ActOn20mph #Love20 #Love30.

Ask National Government elected representatives for decisive action too. Email your MP

A nearly universal aspiration in communities is to make traffic speed compatible with community life and human survivability.  A 30mph limit is no longer fit for purpose for urban and village streets. Lower default limits are being set. Choose 20mph.

Placemaking is a people-centred approach to the planning, design and management of public spaces. A 20mph or 30kmh limit is a key element in making your place a better, more enticing place for people to be. It draws people to linger in a more attractive, vibrant, healthy and successful location.

A connected, friendly society flourishes in places where it feels safe to chat or play. People, especially families and elderly, connect outside more easily by slowing down traffic or diverting it away.  20mph is a friendly limit - it raises liveability and quality of life. It’s key to healthy streets. 30mph is isolating.

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.

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. 

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.