A recent investigation by The Times, using a Freedom of Information request, reveals that individuals driving over 20mph received fines at a rate eight times higher than those exceeding 60mph.
This development follows partly due to London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s decision to reduce speed limits on numerous major roads in the city, as part of his commitment to prioritise safety and environmental sustainability by promoting walking and cycling over driving. The number of fines are expected to continue to rise, with the Mayor urging the Metropolitan Police to be equipped to enforce up to one million speeding penalties by next year.
It’s important to recognize that the 20mph speed restrictions are here to stay, supported by evidence demonstrating their potential to reduce road fatalities. A collision survey conducted in 2005 revealed that only 5% of pedestrians struck at 20mph were fatally injured, compared to 50% at 30mph.
There are additional societal advantages that are more challenging to quantify. These include enhancing the sense of safety among vulnerable road users, fostering walking and cycling, and decreasing both car usage and traffic.
However, critics of the 20mph speed limit do exist. A comprehensive study conducted in 2018, hailed as the most extensive and sophisticated investigation into the effects of 20mph speed limits, indicated that drivers’ median speed only marginally decreased by 0.7mph in residential areas and 0.9mph in city centre zones where limits had been reduced from 30mph to 20mph.
