20's Plenty For Us: 20mph limits are essential to improve road safety in Northern Ireland

20's Plenty for Us

Tuesday, 26, May 2009 12:00

20mph limits are essential to improve road safety and increase quality of life, say Living Streets and 20’s Plenty for Northern Ireland.

A new presentation highlighting groundbreaking work is set to show Assembly Members that 20mph limits are vital to civilise our streets and put people first. The Northern Ireland branch of 20’s Plenty for Us, the national campaign for lower speeds in residential roads, is teaming up with Living Streets (formerly the Pedestrians Association) to give presentations to Assembly Members at the invitation of Trevor Lunn MLA on May 26th.

20’s Plenty for Us director, Rod King, will be looking at the initiatives under way in the UK which are setting 20 mph as the default speed limit for all residential roads in many local authorities. Already over 1,200,000 people live in towns where all roads bar arterial or main roads have had or are having their speed limit set to 20 mph. This is being done without the need for physical calming and creates a collective community commitment to safer roads through local education and enforcement.

Government thinking is also moving in this direction with Transport Select Committee, Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety, National Audit Office and the recent Dept for Transport White Paper all advocating that 20 mph is the correct speed limit for residential roads and around schools and town centres. This echoes the 30 kph speed limit which is the norm throughout most Northern European towns.

The presentation will show that the benefits from lower speeds are not only lower road casualties, but a more pleasant street, lower noise and pollution, and increased active travel (cycling and walking) leading to healthier communities. The move has been found to have little effect on travel times and is very cost effective.

The event will also include a presentation from Joshua Hart, of Living Streets. Joshua will present a report on an influential study of the Impacts of Motor Vehicle Traffic on Community and Quality of Life. The findings show how social interaction on a residential street is directly affected by the volume of motor traffic using that street. The study demonstrated how increased traffic volumes tended to isolate residents and reduce a sense of community within a street. The conclusion is that traffic planning can play a key role in bringing life back into communities and influencing social interaction. Living Streets is the national charity that stands up for pedestrians, and works to create streets that are safe, attractive and enjoyable- where people want to walk.

The research which was done as part of a Transport Planning MSc has had critical acclaim from around the world.

These presentations come at a time when Northern Ireland’s Roads Service is planning to introduce new guidelines on the setting of local speed limits. They provide an opportunity for Assembly Members to hear of the developing practices in Europe and the UK and how traffic volumes and speed have far reaching consequences for communities.

The local co-ordination of events is being arranged by Tom McClelland of 20’s Plenty for Northern Ireland with assistance from CTC representative, Barry Flood. Rod, Joshua or Tom will be available for comment as follows:-

20’s Plenty for Us

Rod King

07973 639781

rodk@20splentyforus.org.uk

www.20splentyforus.org.uk

Driven to Excess study

Joshua Hart

0753 113 4666

joshua.hart@livingstreets.org.uk

www.livingstreets.org.uk

20’s Plenty for Northern Ireland

Tom McClelland

07980 983916

northernireland@20splentyforus.org.uk

Living Streets UK

Anna Powell

020 7377 4914

Anna.powell@livingstreets.org.uk

20’s Plenty for Us is the national organisation that supports local communities campaigning for 20 mph speed limits on residential roads. We work with communities and local authorities to make their streets more pleasant for all road users.

Living Streets is the national charity that stands up for pedestrians. With our supporters we work to create safe, attractive and enjoyable streets, where people want to walk. We work with professionals and politicians to make sure every community can enjoy vibrant streets and public spaces.