June 10, 2008

More haste, less speed is needed when it comes to implementing 20mph zones, according to Elizabeth Dainton, Research Development Manager from the Royal Automobile Club Foundation speaking at a one day conference at Aston University on speed management today (10th June).

Ms Dainton will explain that more research is needed before 20mph zones are comprehensively rolled out across the country. She is also due to urge that policy development be led by local considerations, public acceptance and understanding what will be achieved by 20 mph zones.  There are more factors to consider than just the prevention of casualties, with roads already moving slower than motorists desire and congestion a real issue, slowing them down further could make their daily commute unbearable.

The Royal Automobile Club Foundation's paper to be presented at the conference finds that 95% of all pedestrian casualties and 92% of cyclist casualties are killed or injured on built up roads with speed limits under 40mph. Speed is not the only factor which leads to these accidents as driver behaviour, which includes speed, is a factor in 26% of all accidents, whereas failing to look is the biggest cause of collisions (68%). Ms Dainton therefore argues that driver training and education are as important as reducing speed when it comes to improving UK casualty figures. 

Ms Dainton continues, 'Reducing road casualties in the UK must remain a priority, and speed limits as well as 20mph zones have an important role to play. It does not follow that 20mph zones should be implemented in residential areas without adequate consideration being given to local circumstances and public opinion. One-size fits all policies are rarely successful. 20mph zones are no different.'

20 mph is an extremely slow speed limit and should only be used in small areas, otherwise government runs the risk of further alienating motorists.  In the current climate of high fuel prices and economic uncertainty, motorists that get a speeding fine for doing 25 mph are likely to feel aggrieved.  With RAC research pointing at failure to pay attention to the road and other road users as the highest cause of collisions it seems like the 20 mph limit is addressing the wrong issue anyway.  Maybe an argument for renewing your driving license through testing every ten or fifteen years?

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