12th April 2007

Lola Clark-Stone, who was knocked down on the road, is right to be outraged by the regulations that make reducing traffic speeds difficult (04/04/07).

Photo: New 20mph at Callowell School

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%. In addition to less casualties research shows lower traffic speeds mean reduced air and noise pollution, less fuel use, less congestion and help tackling climate change.

20mph limits are also 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.

Britain's record for child safety is the worst in Europe. We are long overdue the time when, like in many other EU countries, all our all towns and villages are automatically 20 mph and are properly enforced.

Hull City Council has reduced child pedestrian injuries by 75% in its 20mph zones while Portsmouth is implementing a 20mph limit Traffic Management Order for the whole town. Sadly in my correspondence with our County Council they appear very reluctant to work towards similar 20 mph town-wide schemes here. I hope that letters like Lola Clark-Stones' make them reconsider.

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