Steep rise in road casualties in 20mph zones

Official figures from the Department of Transport have shown a big increase in the number of road casualties in special 20mph zones.

The figures show the number of those killed or injured on roads in built-up areas with a reduced 20mph speed limit was up by almost a quarter in 2011 compared to the 2010 figures, rising to a total of 2,262. By comparison casualties on roads with a 30mph limit were up by 1%.

Despite the worrying increase, the 20mph limits retain government support. Local transport minister Norman Baker said that local authorities were in the best position to decide on where the zones should be situated. He also quoted research from the British Medical Journal which showed that children killed or seriously injured had been reduced by half while there had been a 17% reduction in casualties amongst cyclists.

He added: “That is why we believe 20mph speed limits are useful in certain residential areas and support their introduction where it can be shown that they benefit road safety and quality of life.”

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/20mph-zone-road-crash-cas...