Government encourages creation of more 20mph zones
Posted by Fiona Birkwood.
The government is encouraging councils to introduce 20mph zones without speed humps in areas where there are a lot of pedestrians and cyclists.
Even when car lights are on, hazard awareness during night time driving is reduced so the enforcement of these lower speed limits enables drivers more time to assess the area around them, reducing the likelihood of accidents.
A recent report published in the British Medical Journal found that the introduction of 20mph zones is associated with a 42 per cent reduction in the number of people killed or injured on the UK’s roads.
Road safety minister Paul Clark said however, that too many pedestrians and cyclists are still being killed or hurt on the roads.
"Allowing councils to put in place 20mph speed limits on more streets without speed humps or chicanes will mean that they can introduce them at a lower cost and with less inconvenience to local residents," said Mr Clark.
