Forum Topic

20 Mph speeding fine trial ended

Looks like the government has put an end to Wandsworth Council attempt to start fining people breaking the speed limit in 20mph zones.http://www.putneysw15.com/default.asp?section=community&link=http://neighbournet.com/server/common/ldrswandroad009.htmI'm a big fan of the 20mph speed limit in urban areas - it makes the whole envirnoment much less stressful. However, I'm pleased with this decision. It can be very difficult to stay under 20mph and I think lots of drivers genuinely intending to adhere to the limit drift over. There danger was that giving council's the power to do this would have resulted in another money spinner and lots of people struggling financially getting hit with fines with no real net benefit to road safety.

Jeremy Parkinson ● 41d12 Comments

Nope other way round thanks.

Mark Talbot ● 35d

It really is the obvious answer to the excess of envy. Certainly better than spending your life constantly complaining in the hope that cyclists will be subject to the same laws, regulations and restrictions as drivers ....

Paul Campbell ● 35d

If you can't beat 'em...

Will Watson ● 35d

20mph is a very fast walking speed :o

Basil Finnis ● 35d

I’m fully aware of that and another reason why I feel 20mph limits are inappropriate when they don’t apply to all road users.

Mark Talbot ● 35d

Apologies yes Holland Park Avenue. Exactly my point and why this road never should have been changed from 30. On the rare occasion it is clear like last night having bicycles undertaking and overtaking you simultaneously whilst you’re religiously sticking to 20 is actually somewhat unnerving, especially as you know one move the wrong way and it’ll be you the book’s thrown at not the cyclist. They enter a blind spot when undertaking and overtaking you, no when keeping pace with you.

Mark Talbot ● 35d

Speed limits generally only apply to motorised vehicles.So cyclists are not covered by maximum speed legislation.Royal Parks may have different rules.

Will Watson ● 35d

A 20mph speed limit on Holland Park Road seems entirely appropriate to me but perhaps you mean Holland Park Avenue?The limit on this road seems a bit superflous given that a motor vehicle would rarely be able to get up to 20mph.Not sure I blame the cyclists going over 20mph. Presumably they are going west with the incline in their favour. As they have to struggle up the other way they may feel that things even out. I couldn't dream of exceeding the speed limit on a bike these days but even now I'm able to coast along this road at a decent lick. Not sure who benefits by requiring them to stick at 20mph. Would you prefer they kept pace with you sometimes possibly entering a blind spot?

Jeremy Parkinson ● 35d

I presume you are referring to cyclists when you say "show up the selfishness and self-centredness of the speed freaks" judging by the number of cyclists that overtook me last night driving down Holland Park Road when sticking to the absurd 20mph speed limit on that road. There is a time and a place for 20mph limits for sure but like much of the anti-car agenda 20mph limits have appeared in stealth mode on too many inappropriate roads where it just isn't necessary as illustrated last night.

Mark Talbot ● 35d

The slower speeds are a great improvement and I agree it does show up the selfishness and self-centredness of the speed freaks.  It's not over yet.

Philippa Bond ● 37d

You are probably right that there is very little good statistical evidence that the lower speed limits reduce injuries and incidents on specific roads but they do reduce speeds. The laws of physics tell us that this will lower the risk of serious injury in any collision.'Interested parties' also can include people who live in an area and I like the lower limit in mine. Serious speeding does happen but is now much rarer and much more obvious when most drivers are at least trying to stick to the limit. I'm impressed by your fast walking pace. A four minute mile would be run at 15mph so you need to be thinking about the Olympics!

Jeremy Parkinson ● 40d

an absolute waste of time & effort pushed by "interested parties " ie road painters and serco/ the camera operators. Zero stats impact (that ive seen )that show it made any difference to casualties/incidenets. Those that speed dangersously in town continue to do so, the rest of us endanger others by trying to slow down to a fast walking  pace

Tim Garfoot ● 40d