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Do 20mph zones result in more road deaths and accidents?

Image of Neil Thomason
Author: | Updated: 18 Dec 2017 10:42

In a bizarre twist that goes against all logic, Bath and North East Somerset Council has admitted that reducing the speed limit to 20mph in 13 new speed zones has caused a rise in death and serious injuries.

20mph zone

Having spent £871,000 bringing in the new speed zones just 12 months ago, a report has found that the rate of people killed or seriously injured has gone up in seven out of the 13 areas.

Despite this, the council is refusing to reverse the scheme because it will cost too much even though their own report concludes that there is "little in the way of persuasive argument for continuing the programme in the future".

The review of the traffic control measures warns that this is a problem nationally, adding: "There is no simple explanation for this adverse trend but it could be that local people perceive the area to be safer due to the presence of the 20mph restrictions and thus are less diligent when walking and crossing roads, cycling or otherwise travelling."

The report added: "Casualty severity has worsened marginally in Bath and more so in outlying towns. Again, this is reflective of the national situation."

police_accident

So in light of this news, does it signal the end for 20mph limits?

While the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents have campaigned long and hard for widespread introduction of 20mph zones, in counter to the council report they published a fact sheet of 20mph limits published last month.

This points out that 20mph zones in conjunction with other traffic calming measures were much more effective, whereas in Bath and North East Somerset the changes were brought in only with speed reduction and signs to indicate it.

Is this caveat enough to keep the scheme from being classed as a failure?

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