Should 20 mph become the default speed limit on roads through towns and villages in England?
The default speed limit on restricted roads with street lighting in England remains 30 mph. Over 30% of urban roads now have 20 mph limits through local council decisions, with more towns and cities adopting them for safety. Government guidance encourages 20 mph only in appropriate places with local support rather than as a blanket default, while safety groups cite reduced collisions and campaign for wider use.
5 Opinions
No, we didn't invent cars to travel slow. Also sometimes even 20 is too much. Nothing can replace common sense and experience.
No. But we should accelerate the adoption of self-driving autonomous vehicles, which are 5-9 x safer and would reduce the need for private vehicle ownership.
The 20 mph speed limit is absolutely appropriate in some areas and plainly counterproductive or pointless in others. A blanket rule is not the way to go about it.
The case for 20 mph is in the guise of safety, but in reality it is a cash generator. Local rules are fit for purpose - even Wales has rolled back on its 20 mph ruling - and should be based on public feedback.
It's already in place in Scotland for many places and it feels much safer in those areas, I know it's a pain driving in second gear with a manual car but as we electrify they'll all go automatic anyway so you won't feel the difference