20′s Plenty For Us Campaign
A successful UK campaign for lowered residential car speeds, called ‘20′s Plenty For Us‘, is serving as the benchmark for other countries too (just see New York for example). The idea is to set 20mph as the default speed limit unless there is reasonable evidence to suggest that a speedier alternative would produce more effective results.
Research has shown that the vast majority of the public would like 20 mph on residential roads. 2006 changes in Dept for Transport guidelines have relaxed the recommendations and in many residential areas 20 mph limits may be set without any physical measures at all.
In planning terms, a pedestrian-friendly zones (i.e. zones with sedated traffic flows) have given the area an improved sense of vibrancy, improved safety levels and above all else a healthier and greener use of roads (more people use public transport when they know that their car will increase their journey time). Walking and cycling take precedent on the roads too as traffic incidents are reduced and more road space can be dedicated to both pavements and bike lanes. In economic terms, many believe that using public transport, walking and cycling is not only greener but much more affordable too.
Visit the 20′s Plenty For Us blog here.
