15th August 2006

There will be few who do not welcome news that speed limits have been lowered in 30 towns and villages in Gloucestershire (14/08/06). But your list shows only Coleford gets a 20mph. Why? When a pedestrian is hit by a car at 40mph they only have a 15% chance of surviving, at 30mph, 55%, but at 20mph the chance of survival increases to 95%.

Hull City Council has reduced child pedestrian injuries by 75% in its 20mph zones. Research also shows lower traffic speeds mean reduced air and noise pollution, less fuel use and help tackling climate change. On urban roads lower speeds have been shown to reduce congestion.

20mph limits are a critical success factor in promoting walking, cycling and public transport as alternatives to the private car. They help create 'living streets' as this is the speed at which drivers can have eye contact with other users of the street. It is the speed at which pedestrians feel more confident about crossing the road, children play outside their homes and it is quiet enough to hold a conversation.

Our record for child safety is the worst in Europe. We are long overdue the time when all our all towns and villages are automatically 20 mph and are properly enforced. Why should communities continually have to battle to be heard on this issue?

Cllr. Philip Booth
Stroud District councillor for the Randwick, Ruscombe and Whiteshill ward,