Pressure is growing to make 20mph the default speed limit

Experts agree that 20mph is the right limit for most residential and urban roads. It improves public health. Yet, as authority after authority choose 20mph limits the DfT is dragging its heels. The Department is a road offender hogging the middle lane!

With outdated rules based on 20mph as the exception the DfT forces local authorities to buy excessive 20mph signage – wasting millions of pounds. Currently all 20mph streets – over 95% of York need repeater signs. 

Local government is nearing collapse from spending cuts. Yet the DfT forces councils to find an extra 50% of the implementation cost for repeater signs when it could make 20mph the new National Speed Limit, saving time and money. Some roads would stay 30mph. Only sign the exceptions.

Over 12 million people live where wide 20mph limits are in, or policy. Multiple scrutinies say 20mph is best and 217 community 20mph campaigns exist UK wide.

Stronger leadership is needed of the UK’s transition to 20mph. Under-secretary of state for transport Robert Goodwill must now announce the intention to move to a 20mph National Speed Limit. 73% of Briton’s want it. It’s the proven key to revolutionising safety, active travel, tackling obesity and equalities.

The “Time for 20” 20’s Plenty for Us call and conference on 18 Feb in Camden with Landor Links asks the DfT to announce 20mph as the future National Limit and tell local authorities to simply sign exceptions in anticipation. Join in. Book for the conference. Write to ask the DfT to change signage rules quickly!