Brake has warmly welcomed new government guidance for local authorities on setting speed limits, giving the go ahead for more 20mph limits on residential streets in places where there are lots of people walking or cycling (or the potential for such) and where communities are calling for them.

It also advised local authorities to consider widespread 20mph limits when mean speeds are already low over a number of roads within the area.

Brake is part of the GO 20 coalition, launched by Brake in Road Safety Week in November. The coalition is made up of 10 national charities calling for 20mph to become the norm across built-up areas, so children and adults can walk and cycle for their health and enjoyment, and for cheap and sustainable travel, without being or feeling endangered. GO 20 also appeals to drivers to make a personal commitment to slow down to 20mph around homes, schools and shops. 

Julie Townsend, Brake Deputy Chief Executive, said, “This guidance is an important step towards making streets safe for people to walk and cycle, by encouraging local authorities to implement more life-saving and life-enabling 20mph limits. It is a great improvement on the previous guidance, which often created barriers to authorities lowering limits, even when local groups were calling for this. The evidence shows that 20mph limits can deliver huge benefits preventing devastating casualties; enabling more active lifestyles and making communities more liveable and people-friendly. We believe 20mph is the most appropriate limit in our towns, villages and cities, and should become the norm, as do numerous other national charities campaigning for this as part of the GO 20 coalition.”