20mph speed limits benefits
Poorer communities suffer more from fast speeds, as I list the 12 benefits here.
1. Safer
1/3 fewer accidents, less street crime. Encourages more cycling & walking.
2. Popular
80% want slow speeds in their street and nearby. 90% more climate action.
3. Journey times
Unchanged or a few seconds slower due to less stopping/starting.
4. Pollution and noise
12% reduced, less disease from particulates and noise.
5. Fuel economy
12% less fuel used. Supports climate action.
6. Highly recommended
Endorsed by WHO, UN, and many UK and European towns.
7. Improved health
Encourages walking, cycling, and community involvement.
8. Youth engagement
Reduces screen use and improves social skills among young people.
9. Economy
Boosts local spending, reduces absenteeism, creates jobs.
10. Cost-effective
Only £4 a person. Cameras aid compliance.
11. Community benefits
Particularly beneficial for poorer communities. Increases social capital.
12. Long-term impact
A step towards 50% cycling in 10 years and even greater health and economic benefits.
13. Lower insurance costs
Car insurance is lower for those living in 20mph zones. GB news.
We know most of us (66% in Littlehampton, 75% nationally) want slower speeds in urban areas, and only 10% are against slower speeds. This is nearly the equivalent of the gun situation in the USA..most people in the USA want stricter controls, and only 10% want fewer gun controls. As with the USA gun lobby, the UK car lobby is very powerful and its actions counter the World Health Organisation (WHO) advice of slower speeds. Slower speeds are safer, allow children to walk and cycle more, and help communities thrive (WHO).
We see in London low traffic neighborhood infrasture vandalised Guardian
"Hackney council had the biggest bill, paying almost £400,000 for repairs. Mete Coban, a Hackney councillor, said a small minority of people were responsible.
“The evidence shows our LTNs and ‘school streets’ work, with traffic down, more people walking and cycling and children benefiting from being able to walk safely to school,” he said.
“A small minority of people continue to vandalise enforcement cameras, wasting hundreds of thousands of pounds that could be better spent on freedom passes for older people, introducing more cycle parking and road safety classes in schools.”
Page updated Jan; 2025 20mph speed limits word leaflet download