Plans to introduce 20mph speed limits on almost every road in Birmingham have drawn widespread opposition, with a new poll showing 83% of readers want existing speed limits retained. Just 17% agreed the limits needed to be changed, according to a BirminghamLive survey.
Public opposition to city-wide 20mph limits
A separate YouGov poll asking road users whether they supported or opposed changing speed limits in urban areas in England and Scotland found 48% were against changes, while 40% said they would support new limits. The Birmingham City Council, led by the Liberal Democrats, Green Party and independents, has proposed the policy.
The consultation on the Birmingham speed limit updates is open until September, giving motorists the chance to have their say on the issue.
Wales precedent and enforcement data
The move echoes the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Wales, where a petition against the scheme secured well over 460,000 signatures. Officials there were later forced to spend more money to revise the rules.
Data shows the number of drivers caught breaking 20mph speed limits across England rose dramatically from 37,219 in 2023 to 125,133 in 2025.
Arguments for and against the plan
Supporters argue that slower cars lead to safer streets, and that a single rule across the city would help motorists remember which areas are 30mph and which are 20mph. The plan states cars will no longer dominate street life around homes and schools.
However, public opinion has not widely accepted 20mph limits, and motorists who disagree with the changes may ignore them. The article argues that introducing them across a whole city will only anger residents.
