Davies backs government move to cut traffic speed

Date published: 02/08/2008

Rochdale's Lib Dem Euro-MP, Chris Davies, is backing a government proposal for the speed limit on Britain’s residential roads to be cut to 20 miles per hour.

Department of Transport research shows that one in 40 pedestrians struck by a car at 20 miles an hour dies, compared with one in five at 30 miles an hour.

The Government is preparing a road-safety strategy for the next decade and will publish proposals later this year.

Mr Davies, introduced a bill in the House of Commons to reduce speeds to 20 miles an hour in side streets while serving as an MP in 1997

He said: “Introducing 20mph limits away from main roads is a simple and effective means of saving lives that also improves the quality of life for everyone.

“The Government’s own transport department has found that the risk of a child being involved in an accident has reduced by around two thirds where 20 mile an hour zones have been installed.”