At least one third of London roads are now subject to a 20mph limit. However, 87% of drivers break that law when they have an opportunity to, according to TfL research.
Here at the ETA, we’re proud to have helped coin the phrase Twenty’s Plenty, and thrilled that over the years it evolved into 20’s Plenty for Us, a campaign group we continue to support.
Given the number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads, there’s no justification for 30 mph as the national speed limit. According to 20’s Plenty for Us, “The 30mph limit that was plucked out of the air in 1934 as being better than no limit, is no longer fit for purpose. It is unjust, unjustifiable and needs to be consigned to history.“
There is no doubt that 20mph limits have numerous benefits. The introduction of 20mph speed limits in London has contributed towards a 50 per cent reduction in the number of children killed or seriously injured on the roads (see British Medical Journal).
Lower speeds reduce casualty figures, and improve quality of life by transforming streets into areas where people are happy to cycle and children are able to play.
Why do otherwise law-abiding people speed in their cars?
‘Car brain’ is how Dr Ian Walker describes the cultural blind spot that makes people apply double standards when they think about driving. In his latest study, he demonstrates how motornomativity is real, measurable and pervasive.
Is it acceptable to cause harm to another person? To steal? To take a flexible approach to health and safety regulations to save a little time? According to the research Dr Walker, it can depend on whether or not a car is involved.
This fascinating podcast examines our unconscious bias in favour of cars, and how those assumptions shape our streets and hold back the changes needed to create safer roads.
The ethical choice
The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.
The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK’s most ethical provider.
David
I often think of driver behaviour as being a result of the illusion of watching everything in front of you as if watching it on a screen (a windscreen). Just like we might shout at the TV, because no one’s is going to hear, or get hurt, or shout back, or reprimand you. We are detached from the reality that happens outside the car.
It’s inexcusable really.