20mph - get active in your area

Introducing 20mph speed limits in residential and shopping areas is proven to have a dramatic impact on road casualty rates (reducing them by 60-70%). They also take away the fear felt by families surrounded by fast moving traffic, and encourage people to walk and cycle more.

With this kind of evidence, we think it's time for local councils to take action. Portsmouth has introduced a default city-wide 20mph limit, which it is now rolling out. Hull's introduction of 20mph in residential areas has reduced the number of people seriously injured or killed on their roads by 90%. London boroughs have now been given the power to designate borough wide 20mph limits without costly traffic enforcement measures.

All these schemes show that it is possible, and highly beneficial, to aim high and ask for 20mph limits as default in your area, with only major roads excepted. If you want to see your streets transformed by slower speeds and get a better balance in favour of the people who live, work and shop along them, then here are some ideas to help you.

Write to your council

Here is a draft letter for you to send to the transport representatives of each political party in your council. You will be able to find out who they are by looking at the 'Council' or 'Democracy' section of your local councils website. You can amend it to be from a group of people, or from you as an individual supporter. Simply download the word document below, and start the ball rolling...

20mph letter for local groups MS Word (153Kb)

Tell your local papers about it

Once you've written to your councillors, why not let the local paper know what you're up to? It's a great way to let other residents know about the benefits of 20mph, as well as putting pressure on the council. Here is a draft press release, again in Word, that you can download and amend to suit your local situation. Simply phone up your local paper, ask to speak to the news desk and then find out which reporter deals with transport issues, or your local area. Let them know what you're up to and send through the press release to their email address. If you can think what would make a good photograph (maybe a busy road outside a school or shops?), then suggest it to them too - a good picture will always make a story stand out.

20mph press release for local groups MS Word (56Kb)

Let us know about it

Please do keep us informed of any responses you get from your Councillors, or any press coverage you receive. If you would like any more help, please contact Richard Hebditch, on 020 7820 1010 or email richard.hebditch@livingstreets.org.uk.

Campaign for Better Transport, a national group campaigning for green transport, have a very useful guide that can help you slow down traffic in your street.

We campaign across the UK for better streets and public spaces for people on foot. Why not become a supporter, and join the thousands of people up and down the country who want better streets for people? Find out more here.