Low Speed Limits Encouraged

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Low Speed Limits Encouraged

July 18, 2012

A scheme by the Department for Transport has recently been announced in an effort to reduce road speed limits and improve safety.

The scheme will give local councils the power to reduce speed limits to as low as 20mph to help improve road safety.

In addition to this they are being granted additional powers to introduce variable speed limits outside schools and, in some cases, reduce 60mph speed limits on country roads that tend to have high numbers of accidents.

The new limits introduced by local councils would be equally enforceable as current restrictions. By breaking the new limits motorists could face fines, penalty points and an increase in car insurance premiums as a result.

The 20mph scheme is currently being piloted in 2,000 places in England. Research suggests that these new limits can reduce accidents by as much as 60%.

Commenting on behalf of the DfT, Mike Penning stated:

"Road safety is a top priority and the guidance will help councils make evidence based decisions to introduce local speed limits that reflect the needs of all road users."

Final guidance and rules are to be published by the end of 2012.

Source: http://www.expressandstar.com/news/uk-news/2012/07/14/councils-to-get-speed-limit-powers/