Brake applauds LibDem vote on 20 mph speed limits

The Liberal Democrats voted overwhelmingly in favour of widespread 20mph limits, and government investment in this, at their party conference, which is taking place this week.

They called for local authorities "to give active consideration to introducing 20mph limits in existing residential and other suitable roads over the next few years, with schemes to be designed in consultation with local residents" and for a minister within the Department for Transport to be responsible for working with local authorities to achieve this.

Julie Townsend, Brake deputy chief executive, said: “Brake strongly welcomes this recognition by the Liberal Democrats that 20mph is the most appropriate speed limit on residential streets. Slowing down to 20 gives drivers far more chance to react in an emergency and avoid hitting someone, significantly reducing the threat posed to the most vulnerable road users.

“There is a huge amount of enthusiasm at the moment for enabling people to live healthy, active lifestyles as a post-2012 legacy. We know fast traffic is a major barrier to this: many children, families and adults are prevented from walking, cycling and getting out and about because of the dangers. 20mph limits are evidenced to make walking and cycling safer and they are widely supported. That’s why more and more local authorities are implementing them, and that’s why we congratulate the Liberal Democrats on this motion to enable more authorities to make this positive step.”