Councils should not rush to introduce blanket 20MPH zones in urban areas and need to fully take into account the views of residents, the AA motoring organisation has said.

A survey of its members showed that 69% thought they should be consulted before the introduction of a 20MPH speed limit on their road. It also revealed that 55% wanted to have a say on 20MPH zones that may affect their local travel.

AA President Edmund King said: “The AA supports the setting up of 20MPH speed limits where residents along those roads want them. The need for local democratic approval, at street level, is clearly affirmed by this survey.”

Three quarters of those surveyed agreed that 20MPH zones should not include any road where there are no houses, shops or schools.

“If a blanket 20MPH zone sets main roads at the lower speed, the incentive to stick to main routes and not take a short cut along residential streets is lost,” Mr King added.

The survey also shows that AA members largely approve of the use of speed cameras where a specific problem emerges on a 20MPH road, such as a serious accident or series of accidents. However there was less support for their use simply to make 20MPH speed limits meaningful (41% for, 38% against).

Recently Birmingham City Council voted to set up 20MPH speed limits in the city despite 58% of local people objecting to the measures.

(Photo: Ed Greens)

To return to the newsletter, please close this window.