A 20’s Plenty for Us Briefing April 2014 www.20splentyforus.org.uk/briefingsheets/myth_buster.pdf Wide area 20mph limit critics cling to various myths. Learn to bust them! |
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| Myth | Reality | ||
| 20mph vs 30mph journey time | 20mph (esp side roads) doesn’t significantly alter trip times or inconvenience drivers. Jams & stops do. Constant 30mph is rare due to bends, junctions etc. Going fast between obstructions = extra wait at next stop. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZECXj_qQGL4&feature=youtu.be https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pW_fyuybDYw&noredirect=1
http://www.20splentyforus.org.uk/BriefingSheets/20mph_Improves_Traffic_Flow.pdf |
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| 20mph is OK near schools in term time at drop off & pick up times only | 80% of child casualties happen non-school trips. Families need wide area limits for child protection from road injury – their top risk. Older people are even more likely to die or be seriously injured – 20mph is 10 times safer (than 30mph) for 60+yr olds compared to 7x for others http://www.20splentyforus.org.uk/BriefingSheets/How_school_safety_zones_are_not_a_priority.pdf http://www.20splentyforus.org.uk/BriefingSheets/older_people_deserve_20mph.pdf http://www.20splentyforus.org.uk/BriefingSheets/Wide_20mph_Limits_Help_Children_and_Families.pdf | ||
| Variable limits only eg not at night | Variable limit digital signs are costly & can’t go on a wide network. So limits end up inconsistent, confusing & don’t reduce fear of speed or increase active travel significantly. | ||
| Casualties fall, but what about Killed & Serious Injuries KSI? | Detractors cherry pick data, pointing to raised KSIs in some places – by tiny, insignificant amounts. KSIs are rare events. Small datasets are unreliable. In most 20mph places KSI fall along with total casualties. | ||
| Numbers of injuries on 20mph roads | The number & length of 20mph roads is rising (& 30mph roads falling). Absolute numbers of injuries on 20mph roads could rise, whilst casualties per km fall. Denominator matters! | ||
| Income generation from fines – | Compliance is by engagement, pacer vehicles, speed watch volunteers, warning letters, speed awareness courses, occasional enforcement days with a few Fixed Penalty Notices & very rare points or prosecutions http://www.20splentyforus.org.uk/Press_Releases/Police_Toughen_20mph_Limit_Enforcement_Guidance.pdf | ||
| Speedometer watching distracting | Drivers must check their speed whatever the limit. Speedometer checking should happen at 20 & 30 & 40mph, especially in urban areas. Highway Code | ||
| Drivers don’t obey 30mph & won’t obey 20mph | Average & faster road speeds decrease eg in Portsmouth by 6-7 mph slower on previously 25mph+ roads. Even 1mph matters. Every 1mph less reduces casualties & severities by 6%
http://www.20splentyforus.org.uk/BriefingSheets/Wide_20mph_Limits_Are_Effective.pdf |
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