Recently released statistics show the number of road accidents has increased in areas with a 20mph limit but contrary to letters in the Islington Tribune (‘Sobering rise in accidents on roads with 20mph limit’ Tribune 31st August) Caroline Russell said “it is wrong to imply that these figures suggest lower speeds somehow increase risk. The numbers have increased simply because so many councils are recognising the benefits of 20 mph limits that there are a lot more of them – as shown on the BBC’s ‘More or Less’ programme the other week. The unfortunate reality is that car crashes can still happen even at 20 mph but there will be less of them per mile of road than at higher speeds, and when they happen they’re likely to be less harmful.
According to the figures, there were 7 deaths in 20mph zones nationwide last year, a rise of one (17%) on 2010. But over the same period there were also 636 deaths in 30mph zones, up 13%, contributing to an extremely worrying overall increase in pedestrian casualties nationwide. Thanks to our council’s ground-breaking initiative here in Islington, 20mph limits on all roads under their control should shortly benefit residents and businesses along our main roads, with less noise and more sociable streets. This will not only be good for our health and for local economic vitality but will reduce the risk of injury for the majority of Islington residents who make their local journeys on foot and by bike.
What councils need to look at is not just whether there are more collisions happening on roads with 20 mph limits but the rate of collision per mile of road and whether 20mph speed limits reduce the severity of any crashes that occur. The figures actually make a strong case, taken in context, for our councillors to push ahead even more rapidly with their plans to encourage slower, safer and more considerate driving by extending 20mph limits to the main roads.”
Notes
Researchers defend 20mph limits despite rise in caualties BMJ article