Slow commotion

Downing Street targeting 20mph zones is attacking popular policy

- Laura Laker

Slower traffic speeds may have become a political football in the autumn, when Rishi Sunak declared his politically-driven war on safer streets, but that has so far changed very little on the ground. What's more, despite claims from 10 Downing Street that 20mph speed limits are not in accordance with British values, voters seem to disagree. In September, the Welsh Senedd introduced default 20mph speed limits on formerly 30mph roads: places people walk and cycle the most, and where a substantial proportion of collisions take place. While the move received significant negative media coverage, and sparked a culture war, with the Government inaccurately labelling it a 'blanket 20mph zone', we know slower traffic speeds where people walk and cycle are generally popular - and they save lives.

Change isn't easy, politically or practically, but a growing consensus sees slower speeds as preferable for safety, for the environment and to create more equitable streets. What's more, setting speed limits is firmly in the gift of local and devolved governments, not Westminster.