20mph on UK roads: Just right or a snail’s pace?
The UK is slowing down as more and more roads adopt a 20mph speed limit. In September 2023, Wales led the way and became the first country in the world to set a 20mph speed limit on its residential roads.
In England and Scotland, this 20mph decision rests with the local authorities, which conduct road tests and discussions to gauge its viability. Generally, road safety advocates, such as those on foot or bicycles, welcome the slower speed limit. Motorists, motor associations and several politicians are, however, not that keen.
This article takes a look at the 20mph speed limit. It also examines the impact on businesses in areas where it has been implemented.
Difference between a 20mph speed limit and a 20mph zone
According to law, a 20mph zone must be within 50 metres of a traffic-calming measure at any point in the designated area. These measures are speed bumps or other physical obstacles that force vehicles to go slower. On the other hand, a 20mph speed limit only requires each demarcated point to be within 50 metres of a traffic sign informing vehicles of the allowed speed limit.
The Department for Transport narrowed the difference between the two when it decided that repeated traffic signs, road markings and mini-roundabouts are all traffic-calming measures. At least one physical traffic-calming measure must nevertheless still be erected in a 20mph zone.
Places in the UK with the 20mph speed limit
The 20mph speed limit is not new to UK shores. More than a decade ago, Portsmouth implemented this speed limit on most of its roads as many of them are narrower than the norm.
Lancashire is another county that has had the 20mph speed limit in place for about 10 years. With Transport for London spearheading slower traffic, an increasing number of boroughs throughout the city are adopting this measure.
The ‘20’s Plenty for Us’ campaigners maintain that data shows that two-thirds of London’s boroughs are on board with the 20mph speed limit. The highway authorities, however, carefully consider each bid for slower speeds.
Scotland is aiming to make the 20mph speed limit a national policy within the next two years. Edinburgh, for example, has had this traffic-calming measure since 2015.
Benefits of the 20mph speed limit
Studies indicate that there are many benefits to slowing down vehicle traffic in certain areas. Documented and potential advantages of a 20mph speed limit include:
- Fewer collisions, serious injuries and road accident deaths.
- Decreasing community status inequalities.
- Encouraging people to become more active by walking and cycling, which has direct health benefits.
- Lowering carbon emissions for a more sustainable planet.
- Easing traffic jams.
- Boosting a sense of place and peace.
On top of the social and health benefits, the 20mph speed limit also improves the economy and businesses located in these areas. Data shows that:
- It reduces energy costs as cars use less fuel.
- Vehicle repairs and insurance costs are decreased on the back of safer roads and fewer collisions. Slower driving also results in reduced wear and tear.
- 20mph zones do not need physical calming measures such as speed bumps.
- Property values increase as more pedestrians up the rental values of shops.
- Parking requirements drop, which saves infrastructure expenses.
- Crime decreases as fewer cars are targeted.
A pedestrianised area such as York highlighted the benefits for the overall economy as it experienced increases in footfall, commercial leases and revenue generation. In short, businesses profit from more pedestrian and cyclist traffic, and reduced crime boosts the safety and standard of an area.
So what is the future of the 20mph speed limit? There is no blanket policy on the 20mph speed limit, but pressure to adopt it is rising. Seton’s range of traffic calming and management solutions can help you effectively reduce speed around your site.