The implementation of 20mph speed limit zones in Britain is being criticized by celebrity traffic lawyer ‘Mr Loophole’, who claims that these zones are detrimental to road safety and the environment. Nick Freeman, also known as ‘Mr Loophole’, argues that the policy fails to consider the design and technology of modern cars. He suggests that the speed limit should be increased to 25mph to accommodate modern automatic cars, which are more likely to exceed the 20mph limit due to their tendency to “free roll” on even the slightest decline. According to Mr. Freeman, automatic cars rely heavily on brake pedals rather than manual gear changes to slow down and maintain a lower speed, which can lead to drivers fixating on their speedometer and being less attentive to the road.
This criticism comes as London Mayor Sadiq Khan aims to implement 20mph limits on 137 miles of the capital’s road network by 2024. The initiative has already been launched on 17 miles of major roads in several boroughs, and more zones will be introduced later this year. Road safety charity Brake has also called for 20mph limits to be imposed on all roads near schools to reduce child crash deaths.
Mr. Freeman suggests that the design and technology of modern cars are incompatible with 20mph zones, leading to concerns about road safety and increased carbon emissions due to constant braking. He proposes that 20mph limits should only apply during peak times and in specific locations, such as school drop-off and pick-up times. Mr. Freeman believes that a blanket 20mph limit is unnecessary and questions whether the lawmakers who drafted these regulations truly understand the roads or have an ulterior motive of reducing the number of cars on the road.
Contradictory studies have been published regarding the effectiveness of 20mph limits. A three-year study by Queen’s University Belfast found no significant reduction in road traffic collisions, casualties, or driver speed in town and city centers with 20mph limits. On the other hand, a study conducted by the University of Edinburgh demonstrated that implementing 20mph limits in the city led to a 25% reduction in road deaths and a 33% reduction in serious injuries.
Mr. Freeman emphasizes that while controlling speeding is important for road safety, it is equally crucial for drivers to remain attentive to their surroundings. He suggests that the lack of consideration for automatic cars in the 20mph limit poses a danger to all road users and has a negative impact on the environment.
In addition to London, the Welsh Government is set to introduce a default 20mph limit on residential roads and busy pedestrian streets, while the Scottish Government has committed to implementing 20mph limits on appropriate roads in built-up areas by 2025. Brake argues that cutting speed limits saves lives and calls for 20mph limits to be enforced around all schools to ensure safe journeys for children and their families.
Overall, there is ongoing debate regarding the effectiveness and compatibility of 20mph speed limit zones in Britain, with proponents arguing for improved road safety and opponents expressing concerns about the impact on driving experience and the environment.
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