thousands of roads to be reduced to 20 mph

The Government has announced that the speed limit on thousands of residential roads will be reduced to 20 mph. Under plans outlined today, variable limits will be introduced on main roads near schools, with digital signs ordering drivers to cut their speed to 20 mph or less when pupils are arriving or departing. There are also proposals to use cameras to detect a vehicle’s average speed instead of using road humps to enforce the limit in some of these new 20 mph zones.

The Government is preparing a road safety strategy for the next decade and will publish proposals in a consultation document this year and is expected to include a specific target to reduce road deaths and a series of measures.

The proposals are likely to include a lower drink-drive limit, six penalty points for serious breaches of the speed limit and more severe penalties for not wearing seatbelts.

The Home Office is expected to approve an average speed camera system for 20 mph zones by the end of the year. The system works by having a camera at every entry and exit point and can detect all drivers exceeding the limit on any route through the zone.

For more information, contact Tim Williamson, a solicitor in Blake Lapthorn's Motoring Offences team on 01865 253286; or email tim.williamson@bllaw.co.uk.