Campaigners defend 30mph expressways

CUT FROM 4OMPH HAS SPARKED A BACKLASH

- HARRY LEACH News Reporter

A PETITION calling for Birmingham's expressways to return to 40mph limits has gathered more than 1,250 signatures - but road safety leaders say slower speeds are essential to saving lives.

The online petition, signed by more than 1,250 people, argues that the city’s new 30mph limits on major routes are “causing unnecessary traffic and longer journey times across the city.”

It calls on Birmingham City Council to reverse the change on expressways, which those in favour of the U-turn say were built “to accommodate higher speed traffic.”

West Midlands road safety commissioner Mat MacDonald said he understands why some drivers are frustrated - but insisted the evidence for speed reductions is “crystal clear’

He said: “If you're not sure what these changes deliver, just ask yourself - if you had to pick between someone you loved being hit at 40mph or 30mph which would it be?