10th Nov 2009

Greens call for 20mph limit

"Twenty is Plenty" for residential roads, say Greens. Plus: how to join the campaign

Green party campaigners in St Albans are calling for the District and County councils to work together to bring in a 20mph limit for residential roads in St Albans.

The idea follows the example of Europe, where 30kph (18mph) is common in residential areas. In St Albans, the Green party has found a large majority of residents are in favour of the idea, which is widely known in Britain as "Twenty is Plenty". The limit is also supported by St Albans Cycle Campaign.

Simon Grover of the Green party said, "Everyone would benefit from our streets being safer, quieter, less congested, less polluted, calmer to drive and cycle on and more inviting to walk beside."

Campaigners stress that no new speed bumps are needed, just signs and publicity. Blanket 20mph limits are already being introduced in a number of smaller British cities, including Portsmouth, Norwich, Newcastle, Leicester, Oxford and Bristol.

Mr Grover said the aim was to improve the city for everyone, including drivers. "A 20 mph limit for residential streets is not about demonising car drivers or sanctifying pedestrians; most adults in St Albans are drivers and pedestrians. It's about restoring a balance. We all want to be able to get about, and we want our children to be safe."

Last year, 774 people were injured or killed in road accidents in St Albans - the highest figure in Hertfordshire. Government advisers say 20mph in built-up areas would halve the number of deaths on UK roads.

Campaigners say safety is not the only benefit of lower speed limits. They argue that when people feel safer they are more likely to choose walking or cycling over driving.

Mr Grover commented, " Changing short car trips like the school run into walking trips would help tackle all sorts of problems, from obesity to climate change. More people walking and cycling can even mean more cohesive communities and less crime."

The idea of 20mph for residential streets is supported by 80% of British people and many organisations, including the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, the British Medical Association, Age Concern and the British Heart Foundation.

How to join the campaign

Print off a ready-prepared letter and send it in to the Council.

Contact us and we will pass on your message of support.

Email Councillor Lee, who chairs the Highways Panel: cllr.a.lee@stalbans.gov.uk