IS 20 REALLY PLENTY?

IAM RoadSmart's recent research has discovered that almost half of drivers are now in favour of reducing the speed limits on all urban roads from 30mph to 20mph. The survey of 1,000 motorists looked to gauge public opinion on normalising a speed limit of 20mph on all residential streets, in the hope of making cities, towns and villages around the country better places to be. The campaign has already gained significant traction in Wales, with the First Minister, Mark Drakeford putting the wheels in motion for a blanket 20mph speed limit to be implemented in 2023. This could result in mounting pressure on legislators across the border to follow suit, but some followers on the IAM RoadSmart Facebook page were keen to put the brakes on the idea, citing other issues such as enforcement, education, congestion, and location. Here are some of the highlights from the comments section: • Enforcement - “You can reduce it to whatever you want. Enforcement is lacking and so it's irrelevant really.” • Regulation - “The biggest problem with road safety today is regulation. A posted speed limit sign will not improve road safety if no one is there to enforce it. Self-entitled drivers will continue to dispense their own interpretation of the limit. Most will exceed the more usual 30 mph.” • Education - “More driver education. The standard of driving these days is abysmal. Educate drivers about lane discipline and about dangers of using mobile phones at the wheel. Bring in mandatory tests every 10 years. And something similar to cpc which lorry & bus drivers have to do. Speed isn't a killer. Inappropriate speed is.” • Common Sense - “No, but 20 mph is fine on a housing estate, don't need telling though as most people use their common sense when they see kids and animals around.”

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