Government advisers have recommended that a default 20mph speed limit should be introduced on roads in built-up areas across England, arguing it would save money and reduce accidents. The independent Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) stated that lowering the current 30mph limit would be more economical and efficient.
Cost-Effective Approach
Jamie Hassall, executive director at PACTS, told the Commons Transport Select Committee that requiring local authorities to implement 20mph zones individually is "expensive" due to the need for additional signage and paperwork. He explained: "A much cheaper way is to mandate the roads as 20mph, and let the local authority, if they want to move the speed limit up, give them that ability to do so because that’s where it’s more expensive. Rather than making lowering speed limits the expensive option." He added that a national approach, allowing local decisions to increase limits, would be "a more sensible way forward."
Following a Growing Trend
This recommendation comes as 20mph limits become increasingly common across the UK and Europe. Wales has already adopted a 20mph default in built-up areas, and the Scottish Government has committed to implementing the limit where appropriate. In England, 62 out of 153 local authorities have adopted similar policies. Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan has made reducing speed limits a key transport policy, with over half the capital’s roads now at 20mph.
Criticism and Opposition
However, the widespread implementation has drawn criticism. Location technology company TomTom has blamed 20mph zones for London being the world’s "slowest capital city to drive in." The Conservative Party also launched a "Plan for Drivers" in April, pledging to "end blanket 20mph schemes."
