20mph speed limits only work outside schools – Yorkshire Post Letters

A NEWS item on a road safety survey by North Yorkshire County Council  reported that motorists are set to face more and larger 20mph zones after a road safety inquiry concluded action to cut risks for children was needed across North Yorkshire.

I, and the majority of other motorists, are entirely happy to reduce our speed and increase awareness when driving near to schools. However, I do confess to a sense of irritation when I am driving in a 20mph ‘school zone’ on weekends and during school holidays – when the regulation remains in force.

Many local authorities throughout the country, including parts of West Yorkshire, adopt variable or targeted speed zones adjacent to schools where the limit applies when schools are open and when children are either arriving or leaving.

This is achieved by two methods. First, clearly advertising the times when the limits apply, second having flashing lights when the limits apply.

There is some research which suggests that ‘blanket’ limits are actually counterproductive and can be ignored by drivers.

Commenting on a study undertaken last year by Queen’s University, Belfast, Edmund King, president of the AA, said that imposing a 20mph speed limit was most effective where ‘drivers can easily understand why the limit is set, for example, (because of) a school or playing fields. Targeted 20mph limits tend to be more effective than blanket limits’.

I can only agree. Regulation with a clear purpose is the best way to ensure compliance and ensure the safety of children – I hope the county council will take note.

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