'A forced 20mph limit may not be as safe or as simple as it seems'

Driving at 20mph when on a road not designed for such low speeds means that it becomes difficult for drivers to maintain the low speed without looking at their speedometer, which then means they are not concentrating on the road, and thereby are increasing risks for pedestrians.

This also becomes unfair to the considerate drivers who do drive at an appropriate speed, while the target of the campaign – the cars which are driving too fast – will continue to do so. Chances are that those drivers are driving over 30mph anyway.

Although not in the article, the campaign mentions elsewhere that 20mph limits would reduce pollution, yet a study by the AA has said that they increase fuel consumption versus a 30mph limit and increase CO2 emissions by around 10 per cent. Hardly environmentally friendly.

The most effective way to encourage lower speeds is to do it subconsciously. Measures such as road-widths, landscaping, surface treatments, pavements, and parking all influence people, and the majority will drive at a speed that is appropriate to the conditions and improve safety.

For more information, research the 85th percentile rule which demonstrates what a maximum safe speed should be.

In support of Councillor John Reilly, I would suggest waiting until the DoT study has been published as there are many more facets to this than immediately meets the eye, and a forced 20mph limit may not be as safe or as simple as it seems.

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