Plans to cut UK speed limits
Government proposals could see speed limits on many rural roads in England cut from 60mph to 40mph. Councils could also be given greater freedom to introduce 20mph schemes.
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Lower speed limits heading towards Britain's roads
Councils will have more scope to cut speeds on rural roads with a history of accidents and introduce variable speed limits outside schools.
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Plans to cut rural speed limit from 60mph to 40mph
Government proposals could also see speed limits on many rural roads in England cut from 60mph to 40mph. Roads affected could include those with a number of junctions, bends or barriers. You can read the draft guidance in full here.
Councils 'best placed' to determine speed limits
Road Safety Minister Mike Penning said: "It is vital that speed limits are suitable for local conditions and councils are best placed to determine what these limits are, based on local knowledge and the views of the community. To help, we are publishing updated guidance for consultation.
This includes a number of initiatives we have introduced to improve road safety, including making it easier for local authorities and communities to put in place 20 mph schemes, or use common-sense measures such as variable speed limits outside schools."
New 20mph zones aiming to cut collisions
Under the guidance councils will be encouraged to expand 20mph zones and limits in urban and residential areas where it can be shown they benefit safety and quality of life. There are around 2,000 schemes in England with research suggesting that introducing a 20mph zone can cut collisions by 60%.
– Department for transportBased on this positive effect on road safety traffic authorities can, over time, introduce 20 mph zones or limits into major streets where business on foot is more important then slowing down road and lesser residential roads in cities, towns and villages, particularly where this would be reasonable for the road environment, there is community support and streets are being used by pedestrians and cyclists.
Councils to get greater speed limit powers
Councils will be given greater freedom to introduce 20mph schemes under new government proposals to improve road safety.
Local officials will also have more scope to cut speeds on rural roads with a history of accidents and introduce variable speed limits outside schools as part of the updated Department for Transport guidance.
