Your say / Transport
Why Charles Lucas is oh-so-wrong on 20mph
I don’t really understand why the Tories are so opposed to 20mph. As councillors, we have had a set of policy motions from them trying to stop 20mph. We have also had their friends in the motoring lobby orchestrate a petition to try and stop the zones. So here are some points I’d like to make in support:
1. They are safer for children
There can surely be no one who does not understand that the slower the speed, the less likely an accident will be serious or fatal. In fact, the slower the speed, the less likely an accident is to occur in the first place.
2. We need wide 20mph areas
Some people argue for 20mph around schools, but not elsewhere. However, most accidents involving children take place away from the immediate environs of a school. So, if the logic of 20mph as a means to keep children safe is right, it must extend to a wide area. In fact, to all the walking routes that children use.
is needed now More than ever
3. It’s good for cyclists and pedestrians
One of the most common reasons people give for not cycling is fear of traffic. Clearly part of this is the fear of being hit by vehicles. By slowing down the traffic, you encourage more people to cycle. Likewise, a stream of speeding vehicles can clearly make it harder for pedestrians to cross the road, especially elderly pedestrians.
4. It’s popular
When people get 20mph, they tend to like it. The main complaint is enforcement. Even then, the local police tell me something like 85% of motorists stick to 20mph or slightly higher.
5. It isn’t blanket
Numbers of roads have been excluded. These include most of the main roads.
6. There is no evidence that it causes emissions to rise
Intuitively, it must be obvious to all of us who live in a city that the idea of the ‘open road’ is a myth. Cities are beset with junctions, roundabouts, mini-roundabouts, various crossings, traffic, but above all – an awful lot of other traffic. All of these slow motorists down. Indeed, driving advice is that it is better to drive at a constant slower rate than doing a lot of accelerating and decelerating.
7. The Tories funded it
What you don’t normally hear is that the Tories are the ones who financed 20mph in Bristol. A significant portion of the funding came from the coalition government’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund.
8. More of Charles’ own Clifton residents support 20mph than oppose it
Getting on for twice as many Clifton residents support 20mph as oppose it, as ward councillor Charles might want to take note.
9. The supporters of Go 20
10. How you can help embed 20mph into the culture of this city for ever
If you want to support 20mph, you can put this debate to rest forever. How? By signing the petition in favour.
11. Green Party support
The Green Party mayoral candidate Tony Dyer is 100% behind all the benefits 20mph brings.