research, speeding on 30mph roads was more commonly reported than speeding on 60mph roads.20 Reducing road traffic collisions, injuries and fatalities It has been estimated that a reduction of one mile per hour in existing low speed areas resulted in 5% fewer collisions.21 A recent review of the effects of 20mph zones and limits on health and health inequalities concluded that there was convincing evidence on the effectiveness of these measures in reducing accidents, injuries, traffic speed and volume, as well as improving the perception of safety. The findings of this review are summarised below:22 A UK study examining the impact of 20mph speed zones in 200 small residential areas found: 61% reduction in total injuries; 70% reduction in child pedestrian injuries; 48% reduction in injuries; 6.2% reduction in accidents for each 1mph reduction in speed; and On average speed reduced from 25 to 16mph23 Studies in the Netherlands reported similar effects at 30km/hr: 5% reduction in accidents; 25% reduction in injuries; 85% of traffic travelling at a mean speed of <30km/hr and a 15-30% reduction in traffic volume;24 25% in injuries over a 15 year period; considered to be a cost-effective intervention.25 A German study found a 25% reduction in accidents in an area where 30km/hr limits were in place.26 In Denmark, 15-30km/hr speed zones were associated with a 64% reduction in road user injuries27; whilst a London based study reported a 45% reduction in injuries in 20mph zones.28 A speed limit of 20mph (30km/hr) slows traffic down sufficiently to adapt to the presence of pedestrians and other road users; a person is seven times more likely to survive if hit by a car travelling at 20mph rather than 30mph.29 Lowering the speed limit to 20mph reduces collisions between vehicles and children by up to 70%.30 Research suggests that one of the risk factors for children in fast traffic environments is a developmental issue: their eyes and brains are not yet mature enough to be able to judge speeds over 20mph.31
research, speeding on 30mph roads was more commonly reported than speeding on 60mph roads.20 Reducing road traffic collisions, injuries and fatalities It has been estimated that a reduction of one mile per hour in existing low speed areas resulted in 5% fewer collisions.21 A recent review of the effects of 20mph zones and limits on health and health inequalities concluded that there was convincing evidence on the effectiveness of these measures in reducing accidents, injuries, traffic speed and volume, as well as improving the perception of safety. The findings of this review are summarised below:22 A UK study examining the impact of 20mph speed zones in 200 small residential areas found: 61% reduction in total injuries; 70% reduction in child pedestrian injuries; 48% reduction in injuries; 6.2% reduction in accidents for each 1mph reduction in speed; and On average speed reduced from 25 to 16mph23 Studies in the Netherlands reported similar effects at 30km/hr: 5% reduction in accidents; 25% reduction in injuries; 85% of traffic travelling at a mean speed of <30km/hr and a 15-30% reduction in traffic volume;24 25% in injuries over a 15 year period; considered to be a cost-effective intervention.25 A German study found a 25% reduction in accidents in an area where 30km/hr limits were in place.26 In Denmark, 15-30km/hr speed zones were associated with a 64% reduction in road user injuries27; whilst a London based study reported a 45% reduction in injuries in 20mph zones.28 A speed limit of 20mph (30km/hr) slows traffic down sufficiently to adapt to the presence of pedestrians and other road users; a person is seven times more likely to survive if hit by a car travelling at 20mph rather than 30mph.29 Lowering the speed limit to 20mph reduces collisions between vehicles and children by up to 70%.30 Research suggests that one of the risk factors for children in fast traffic environments is a developmental issue: their eyes and brains are not yet mature enough to be able to judge speeds over 20mph.31
IPH%20Consultation%20Response%20DCC%20Speed%20Review_submitted.docx