Brake calls for new urban speed limit of 20 mph

Date: 23/11/2010

Brake has called for the default speed limit for urban areas to be lowered to 20 mph following research that shows the majority of children think drivers go too fast.

A national survey conducted by the charity in honour of Road Safety Week revealed 86 per cent of nine to 13-year-olds believe motorists drive at too high a speed in their neighbourhood.

The study - which was carried out in conjunction with business insurance firm QBE - also found ten per cent of youngsters have been knocked down while on foot or bicycle, while a further 56 per cent have had a near miss.

Julie Townsend, Campaigns Director at Brake, said the number of young people who are killed and injured on UK roads is "unacceptable", stating: "One of the best ways we can protect children is by slowing down to 20mph when driving in communities."

This gives motorists a good chance of stopping in time if a child runs out in front of their vehicle, while it also makes residential areas more family-friendly, she added.

Last month, Road Safety Minister Mike Penning raised concerns about the number of under-18s killed on Britain's roads, urging children to wear reflective clothing at night to ensure they can be seen by drivers.

Posted by Sarah Bailey