MPs told 20mph should be the new 'default' limit on built-up roads - and speed limiter tech in cars should be permanently switched on

MPs were urged to adopt 20mph as the new default speed limit on all built-up roads in England and to enforce speed limiters in vehicles through legislation. A panel of road safety experts testified before the Transport Select Committee, warning that the government’s Road Safety Strategy, unveiled in January, falls short of achieving its goal of reducing road fatalities by 65 percent by 2035. The experts argued that current proposals could and should have gone further by implementing stricter speed controls in urban environments. The strategy lacks a legislative framework for introducing a uniform 20mph limit across England. Instead, local authorities retain responsibility for setting speed limits on residential streets, with the government offering guidance. Campaigners are now advocating for revised guidelines that would strongly encourage local authorities to adopt 20mph as the standard rather than 30mph. Additionally, the panel recommended accelerating plans to mandate the use of automatic speed limiters in vehicles, suggesting even more stringent measures than those required under EU regulations. Lilli Matson, chief safety, health and environment officer at Transport for London (TfL), addressed the committee, calling the Road Safety Strategy a “missed opportunity” to implement a nationwide 20mph limit. She urged MPs to take inspiration from London’s approach, which saw the introduction of 20mph as the default speed limit on the main road network in 2020. That initiative led to a measurable drop in serious injuries and fatalities, with a reported 24 percent reduction in incidents involving people killed or seriously injured. Matson emphasized that lowering speed limits is crucial for creating safer, more livable urban spaces. Currently, 68 out of 154 local authorities in England have pledged to reduce speed limits on residential roads from 30mph to 20mph. However, this number remains significantly below the level needed to meet broader safety goals. In contrast, Wales has set 20mph as the default speed limit in residential areas since September 2024. Scotland applies the 20mph standard to built-up areas where it is deemed appropriate, while the Republic of Ireland is overhauling its national speed limit policy to reduce defaults in urban centers and housing estates from 50 km/h (31 mph) to 30 km/h (19 mph). Campaigners caution that England risks lagging behind its neighboring countries in enforcing lower speed limits on residential roads. Adrian Berendt, director of the “20s Plenty for Us” campaign, highlighted that approximately 20 percent of fatal or serious injury crashes occur on 30mph roads. He stated that without reducing speed limits, the government will struggle to reach its 65 percent casualty reduction target. According to his analysis, implementing 20mph limits could contribute significantly to the goal, potentially reducing such incidents by 10 to 20 percent. Berendt argued that 20mph limits foster a different dynamic among road users, encouraging greater awareness and mutual respect between motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. He noted that drivers tend to look out for others more when navigating at reduced speeds, enhancing overall road safety. The push for 20mph as the default speed limit aligns with growing global trends toward pedestrian-friendly urban planning. As more regions adopt lower speed limits, the pressure on England to match these standards intensifies. With the UK already witnessing shifts in how cities are designed to prioritize safety and sustainability, the debate over speed limits reflects a broader conversation about the future of mobility and public health. The outcome of this discussion will likely shape the trajectory of road safety policies for years to come.