Lowered speed limits 'have not reduced accidents'

Date: 4/10/2010

The safety benefits of 20 mph speed limits have been cast into doubt after new research revealed the restrictions have not significantly reduced the number of accidents after being introduced in Portsmouth.

A report published by the Department for Transport found the number of people killed or seriously injured on the city's residential streets - after the limit on all such roads was lowered from 30 mph to 20mph - went up, not down, the Daily Telegraph reports.

Paul Watters, Head of Public Affairs at the AA, said simply putting up signs will not have a major effect on people's driving habits.

"We support targeted and tailored 20mph zones where they are really needed, not a blanket implementation across a whole city," he remarked.

Mr Watters added the limits can be "problematic" because they have an impact on bus journey times and delivery firms.

A study recently carried out by the Institute of Advanced Motorists showed 90 per cent of motorists aim to comply with speed restrictions, but 60 per cent find themselves unable to do so.

Posted by Mary Treen