The Government is considering turning more 30mph zones into 20mph zones

England is considering imposing new restrictions on the utilization of 20mph speed limit zones as part of a comprehensive set of policies targeted towards motorists. The government, in its recently released policy document titled “The Plan for Drivers,” has announced its intention to revise the guidelines governing 20mph zones in England, with the aim of preventing their widespread and inappropriate application.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper emphasized that advocating for public transport doesn’t equate to being against private cars. He stated, “Supporting public transportation does not entail opposing private automobiles. It is easy to take the political route of criticizing private vehicles, even though they have played a crucial role in granting personal freedom and fueling economic growth over the past century. When used responsibly and thoughtfully, cars have, and will continue to be, a positive force.”

Harper further added, “We will clarify that 20mph speed limits in England should be implemented judiciously, responding to the desires of the local populace, and not imposed as indiscriminate, sweeping measures.”

Meanwhile, the Welsh Government is planning to enforce a 20mph speed limit in all densely populated areas, and the UK’s ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles has been postponed until 2035.

Simon Williams, the head of policy at RAC, expressed his views on the matter, stating, “We have consistently maintained that 20mph limits can yield significant safety benefits in appropriate settings, such as residential neighborhoods, areas surrounding schools, and locations with high pedestrian and cyclist traffic. However, applying these limits to roads primarily used by motor vehicles, where there is no such conflict, seems illogical.”

Williams also mentioned that councils already follow a process involving Traffic Regulation Orders when reducing speed limits from, for instance, 30mph to 20mph. Therefore, the specifics of any new policy alterations remain to be seen.

The most recent report from the Department for Transport indicates a 10% increase in road-related fatalities in Britain when compared to the previous year. In 2022, there were 1,711 fatalities, as opposed to 1,558 the year prior.

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