The largest study into how 20mph zones impact safety is to begin soon by university professors in Scotland. Running until 2020, the study will look at zones in Edinburgh and Belfast. Results will hopefully correlation a link between 20mph zones and increased general safety.
Targeting high traffic
As expected, areas of high traffic (for both cars and pedestrians) carry the largest risk of collisions. The study will assess the impact on accidents when the default speed limit is reduced from 30mph to 20mph.
Running until 2020, the study will be taken to the Scottish Parliament, with the possibility of heading to Westminster later. Green Minister for Scottish Parliament Mark Ruskell helped launch the consultation, hoping to impact on personal safety and the environment via the study.
He spoke to press about the study, stating “By bringing forward legislation I want to create safer streets so we reduce the risk for pedestrians and cyclists, especially children and the elderly. By cutting speeds in the streets where we live, shop and go to schools or day centres we can reduce deaths and injuries and boost public health with cleaner air.”
Historical support
While we know through past studies that risks of fatalities are highly reduced when cars travel at 20mph rather than 30, the impact on traffic, noise pollution and air pollution has not been widely analysed.
The study hopes to indicate that when specially selected areas are targeted, effects on traffic would actually be positive. Some areas with such limits within cities encourage more people to walk or bike rather than take cars. This benefits not only personal safety, but the local air and pollution levels.
Overall, the study is hoping to show that focused 20mph zones in major cities will benefit the local community. (especially the vulnerable including children and the elderly) and the environment.
With reduced injury and fatality risks at 20mph, it is hoped the option of limiting speeds noticed by decision makers.
Protection at 20mph?
You may still ask “What if I am injured at 20 or 30mph?” Thankfully regardless of speed or area, you are protected legally if a car should hit you. Road users should be aware of their speed and environment. Should they not and cause an incident, they are expected to compensate those they hurt.
If you have suffered at the hands of poor driving, Scott Rees & Co is here to do our best to help you on the road to recovery, however long it takes. With 25 years of dedicated service and a full network of specialists, we have your best interests in mind.
We offer no win no fee claims aimed at giving expert legal care carrying zero risk to you. If you would like to speak to an expert you can by calling 01695 722 222 weekdays from 9am until 7pm. We have a trained team on hand to assess your injury and give you free, impartial, conscientious advice on how best to move forward.
You can also get in touch via our claim form here. Tell tell us about your injury to receive a free assessment and advice.
For the very best legal help, get in touch with Scott Rees & Co today and see what we can do to help you.
Image:
- Edinburgh Greens; Flickr; https://www.flickr.com/photos/edinburghgreens/4960574190