Recent tragedies highlight need for 20mph

Two recent tragedies where pedestrians have been killed by car drivers mounting the pavement, have highlighted the need to take action to make our streets safer for all road users.

In Ashford, Kent, on Sunday 27th September, two pedestrians were killed and several injured.  On Friday 25th September a group of schoolchildren in Worlingham, Suffolk, were knocked down by a car as they walked on the pavement: nine required hospital treatment, including a broken leg and pelvis.  These incidents highlight the human cost of lack of respect on our roads, and Living Streets calls upon the police and CPS to do everything to ensure that the culprits are brought to justice.

While incidents like these are fortunately rare, they are symptomatic of a more general imbalance in the protection afforded to pedestrians, as the most vulnerable road users.  This is why Living Streets champions 20 mph speed limits in all areas where people live, work and play. A default 20mph limit would have an immediate impact on the community, drastically cutting road casualties and helping to create safe, attractive and enjoyable streets for all.

A pedestrian hit at 20 mph has a 97% chance of survival.  As speeds increase that chance falls steeply, and by 35 mph half of all pedestrians hit will lose their lives.

Now is the time for government to take action to improve road safety in England and Wales, and you can help by taking part in our 20 mph campaign. You can download our free campaigning pack from our Resources section today, and get 20mph made a reality where you live.

Published on: 29/09/2009

Rob Cann