Birmingham City Council has opened a consultation on a new ‘Local Plan’ that could see 20mph speed limits introduced on almost every road in the city, a move that has already drawn criticism.
The plan, which covers a range of updates to the city including transport, states that “cars will no longer dominate street life around homes and schools” and that 20mph will be “standard on all local roads” as part of a “gradual rollout”.
Council says slower speeds save lives
The report claims there is a significant body of evidence showing that reducing speeds to 20mph on local roads has a “disproportionately positive impact on the incidence of fatal and serious injuries”. Officials say the plans will prioritise “active travel”, with “walking and cycling” set to become how most people get around the city.
A Birmingham City Council spokesman said: “Evidence from around the world on slower speed limits is very clear: it reduces collisions, saves lives and reduces injuries – so our message is simple: slower is safer. Slower speeds are less intimidating towards those who walk or cycle, activities that we need to encourage more of if we are to reduce the number of harmful emissions and traffic levels in the city.”
Reform UK opposes the measure
Despite the council’s claims, the policy has been firmly rejected by Reform UK, which has blasted the measure as another “anti-motorist” plan. The party said it would formally oppose plans to introduce 20mph limits across B roads, C roads and unclassified local roads through the Local Plan process.
Cllr Jex Parkin, Leader of Reform UK on Birmingham City Council, said: “This is another anti-motorist policy from a council that seems determined to make getting around Birmingham harder. People already have enough congestion, restrictions and disruption to deal with without another blanket measure being imposed on them.”
Parkin added: “Reform will support sensible safety measures where they are genuinely needed, but we will oppose unnecessary 20mph limits across the city.”
Government guidance on 20mph limits
The city council is run by a minority coalition comprising the Liberal Democrats, Green Party, and the Better Birmingham Independent Group. Meanwhile, a Department for Transport spokesman told the Telegraph: “Local authorities are responsible for setting speed limits in their areas, and our guidance is clear that 20mph limits should only be used where they are appropriate and supported by evidence.”
