Shropshire Star

Campaigns play an important role in highlighting evidence

Michael Parker is concerned that town councillors have listened to the 20 is Plenty campaign (Letters, December 14, 2017).

Published

I would like to point to a recent survey of evidence from elsewhere. In November the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) published a road safety factsheet. It examined the results of research conducted in to 20mph zones (with traffic-calming engineering) and 20mph speed limit areas (with signs but no additional engineering).

Having examined the evidence this is what they say:

“…20mph zones … are an effective means of reducing road crashes and casualties. They are very effective at protecting our most vulnerable road users, including children, pedestrians and cyclists, and significantly decrease the risk of being injured in a collision. RoSPA encourages their greater use, especially in residential areas.

RoSPA supports and encourages the wider use of 20mph limits. They have been shown to reduce traffic speed, although not as much as 20mph zones with traffic calming.

However, they are considerably less expensive to implement, which means that wider areas can be covered. They also provide additional benefits, such as encouraging more physical activity, such as walking and cycling. They can also greatly improve the character of a residential area and quality of life of the residents.”

“As well as road safety benefits, it is important to highlight the contribution that 20mph zones can have in improving air quality, reducing noise pollution and encouraging more physical activity…”

These conclusions point to major benefits for our community. I will be working to ensure that all appropriate evidence is examined, dispassionately, by Shropshire Council.

The case was indeed brought to my attention by the 20 is Plenty campaign. Campaigns like this play an important role in highlighting evidence, especially when it runs counter to many of our expectations and I welcome them as a contribution to our democracy.

Councillor Julian Dean