20’s Plenty: The Movie

One thing that would make life a whole lot better for those of us who live in urban Britain would be default 20mph speed limits. This doesn’t seem to be a problem in many parts of Northern Europe, so why is it so hard for local authorities in the UK? There’s overpowering evidence that slowing down the traffic results in fewer deaths and injuries, makes neighbourhoods more sociable, reduces pollution and congestion – and makes our towns and cities a whole lot more pleasant. It can be done across whole cities without spending loads of money on elaborate new street designs – it doesn’t need much more than lines and signs. It’s hard to think of many policies that, for such a low cost, can deliver such health, social, economic and environmental benefits. In Brighton and Hove, a Scrutiny Panel recommended more 20mph zones. But the council seems reluctant to go ahead even with such a watered-down scheme. Here’s a film from 20s Plenty which shows why 20mph default speed limits can help all of us enjoy a better life. Brighton and Hove Council, please take note!

20's Plenty

Today I gave evidence. I wasn’t in court. I was with Roger French, Managing Director of Brighton & Hove Buses and Phil Clarke, the Road Safety Manager of Brighton Hove City Council. We were presenting to the Council’s Scrutiny Panel which is considering whether there should be a 20mph default speed limit for Brighton and Hove. This may sound outlandish, but there’s now plenty of data which shows why it’s a great idea. I was speaking on behalf of Living Streets, the charity that used to be the Pedestrian’s Association. But the benefits of reduced traffic speeds aren’t just for those of us who live without owning a car. For local councils in urban areas, a 20mph default limit is practically a silver bullet, hitting more public policy targets for less money than practically any other single measure – whether it’s cutting deaths and injuries, increasing active travel (cutting obesity) reducing emissions, or just making anywhere a whole lot nicer. The evidence is piling up: the 30 mph speed limit was introduced in 1934 when there were 2 million cars in the UK: today there are over 28 million. We know all about the consequences, and it’s time for a change. When it comes to traffic in towns, 20’s Plenty.