Don’t waste time consulting public on 20mph limits, say campaigners

Campaigners for 20mph speed limits are urging councils to implement 20mph speed limits without public consultation. 

A new briefing paper by campaign group 20’s Plenty for Us states: “Consultation is valuable if you can’t predict the outcome, but is costly and takes time. If the question is ‘do you want 20mph limits?’ the majority reply Yes!

“Should public funds be spent asking people questions we know the answers to, or on getting on with increasing safety?

“On 20mph limits there is little point half-heartedly sounding out general opinion and wasting resources and time when surveys consistently show over 70% support it.”

 20’s Plenty for Us says consultation “creates a perception of indecision rather than leadership or vision”.

Brighton & Hove City Council recently dropped plans to introduce 20mph limits in a number of areas after consultation revealed a majority of residents in the areas opposed the plans.

Noting that people have a right to object to the Traffic Regulation Orders needed to introduce 20mph limits, 20’s Plenty says councils should devote their energies to engaging communities just before 20mph limits are installed. 

“Wholeheartedly recommending 20mph limits to communities post-decision and pre-roll out of signs is the best stage [to engage].”

Discuss this at LTT's UK Road Safety Summit