Chris Bryant MP on Wales’ 20mph speed limit
A motoring expert has demanded a new “evidence-based” approach to speed limit rules with a blanket method not working.
Lee Puffett, Managing Director of Start Rescue, warned that there was “no point” adding 20mph limits on wide open roads with a “sensible” concept needed.
It comes after a new study showed widespread opposition to new 20mph limits in the UK after Wales rolled out the project back in September.
Mr Puffett explained: “We need to be sensible when restricting speed limits.
“Where there are proven records of repeat incidents in residential areas, the speed should be reduced to protect all road users, including our recovery agents who are helping motorists every day.
READ MORE Some Wales 20mph areas are ‘frankly bonkers’, admits Labour MP in BBC QT clash
“Around schools, hospitals, and in towns and villages, it makes sense to lower limits.”
“We want to see everyone using the roads safely and in safety. Lower speed limits should be considered when the road narrows and twists.
“There is no point introducing a 20mph limit on a wide open country road, so a sensible evidence-based approach is required, not necessarily a blanket ‘one size fits all’ method.”
Research from Startline Motor Finance released earlier this month showed there was no support for extra speed limit changes.
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A staggering seven out of 10 drivers say that the 20mph restrictions adopted in Wales should not be spread across the rest of the UK.
The poll showed 20 percent of respondents think that it was “just too slow” with 15 percent believing only a few drivers would respect the new rules.
But, almost one in four surveyed said a new 20mph rule would save more lives.
According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) reduced speed limits would cut down on deaths and injuries.
Statistics show that the risk of a fatal pedestrian collision is around 20 percent if struck at 30mph. But, this drops to just 2.5 percent if a vehicle collides with a pedestrian at 20mph.
Paul Burgess, CEO of Startline Motor Finance, warned the Welsh speed limit changes were “divisive” and would be “controversial” if applied more widely.
He commented: “It’s fair to say that there is relatively limited enthusiasm for wider use of 20mph across the UK, as well as some scepticism that many drivers would respect the new limit even if it was introduced.
“The move appears to have been quite divisive in Wales and it looks as though it would be similarly controversial if applied in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.”
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