20mph zones ‘can make roads more dangerous’

Injury and death rates increased in shocking new study

THE introduction of 20mph speed limits can render roads more, not less, dangerous, surprising new research has revealed.

Bath and North East Somerset Council conducted a review of areas in which it had implemented 20mph zones, and found the rate of people killed or seriously injured had increased in seven of the 13 areas studied.

The study said there was “no simple explanation” for the increase in casualties, but suggested: “It could be that local people perceive the area to be safer due to the presence of the 20mph restrictions, and thus are less diligent when walking and crossing roads, cycling or otherwise travelling.”

An experimental control zone – where a 20mph limit had not been introduced – also saw an increase in the rate of road users killed or seriously injured, but only three of the 13 areas with lower limits saw a reduction. All four of the rural areas studied saw a greater number of total casualties in a 12-month period.

Researchers also noted that the average reduction in speed brought about by 20mph limits was only 1.3mph, and said there was “little in the way of persuasive argument for continuing the programme”, which has cost the council £871,000 since 2011.