Heike Aghte from Berlin is one of the leading campaigners for setting default 20mph or 30km/h limits in Europe and attended our 2015 20mph places conference in Cambridge on March 12^th. Here we reproduce her notes on the conference.

London is lagging behind Paris and other capitals on road speed policy. To stay competitive for tourists and to increase quality of life for residents and workers, it’s time for a 20mph speed limit across Central London

Attracting visitors, ideally arriving by public transport, brings prosperity. Tourists often sightsee by walking around. Visitor numbers rise when the public realm is improved by safer, nicer streets. As with pedestrianisation, 20mph limits attract walkers. With less danger, footfall rises as do profits. Cyclist numbers increase too.

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.  

An update on a previous report on the case for 30kph limits as a standard across Europe

Briefing sheet on how the “Total 20” policy used by UK towns should be replicated throughout Europe.

Puts the case for the recommendation of 30kph (20mph) limits as the default for residential streets across the EU. Also see Press Release when EU parliament agreed.