Is our built environment part of the problem of us moving our bodies less and can it also be a solution? A recent report from Public Health England clearly cites the need to make changes to enhance active travel. 20mph limits can help our public realm be better for more people to walk and cycle regularly. The rationale is simple - provide safer spaces and people will use them. 

20mph limits are proven to prevent road injury, and reduce fear, fumes, noise and loneliness. Like universal vaccination, 20mph limits cost effectively raise public health in built up areas - due to less danger and greater physical exercise. Not to bring in 20mph could be grossly negligent. 

Road injuries hurt an estimated 1% of people a year and its rising. Tackling road risk is key to public health improvement outdoors for all ages. Community-wide 20mph limits confer huge health economic returns in casualties avoided and in active travel exercise gains.  

Children are recommended an hour of active play daily, ideally outdoors.  With wide area 20mph limits they can more safely reach the best play locations.  20mph is child protection.  It encourages parents to allow kids out so children can move, be fit, sporty, explore, have fun and see friends. Playing out  encourages walking or cycling to school. 

Being active is the ‘wonder drug’ that more Britons should be taking regularly.  The greatest gains in health are from regular activities like walking or cycling locally.  20mph speed limits are a crucial platform for people to choose active travel. All local transport methods and journeys become safer and more pleasant. 20mph helps keep people safe and gets their legs moving more often!

20mph limits support our universal rights to freedom of movement, clean air and freedom from intimidation.  Authorities who civilise roads with 20mph limits care about public health and child protection. 20mph supports fairness and public sector equality duties.

A new NICE review on tackling the causes of early death reminds Local Authorities that 20mph offers huge public health gains. At £3 per head of population, 20mph is cost effective as the recommended speed limit for child protection and to support public sector equality duties.

Public Health leaders are increasingly identifying wide-area 20mph limits as key for liveability & health equality. Speed reduction tackles risk, inactivity, obesity, isolation & is child, disability, elderly & dementia friendly.

Healthy roads have slow speed limits.  Roads and pavements make up most of the public realm.  Wide 20mph limits affordably and effectively tackle fear, injury risks, child protection, obesity and health inequalities whilst raising fitness through active travel.

The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) new Pedestrian Safety report endorses area-wide lower speed limits.  It is top level, conclusive proof that signed 20mph limits are effective.