20mph Speed Limits in Residential Areas
We want to see the standard speed limit in all residential areas reduced to 20mph or lower.
Our streets have become dominated by motor vehicles. They are no longer safe places for children to play, while older people and those with disabilities are particularly affected.
We need a new approach to street design and layout, which puts
the needs of residents, especially children, above those of drivers. The car should be a guest in residential, shopping and other populated streets.
Perhaps the single biggest step in making the streets safer (and making them feel safer) is to reduce speeds. Towns and cities all across Europe have successfully implemented town-wide 30kph (19mph) limits; Portsmouth is the first UK example.
We need government to legislate for easier implementation of town-wide 20mph zones, and for local authorities to implement them, including in rural villages. In residential areas traffic should move at speeds appropriate to sharing with people.
We want to see 20mph or lower speed limits the norm for residential streets and those used by shoppers, tourists and others, close to schools or public buildings, or important for walking and cycling or children’s play. In urban areas only the busiest strategic traffic routes should now qualify for higher speed limits.