Cllr Ian Davey

Road Safety Minister Paul Clark has announced plans to allow councils to put in place 20 mph schemes over groups of streets - without the need for traffic calming measures such as speed humps.
 
Green Cllr Ian Davey, who speaks for the Greens on Transport issues and is leading a local campaign to see Brighton & Hove introduce a 20 mph speed limit, said:
“A default 20 mph speed limit on residential roads would save lives, cut emissions, and increase the city’s overall well being.
 
“Local residents and Green Cllrs have long called for a reduction in the speed limit to help make our city a safer, more pleasant place and the council recently agreed to investigate the possibility of introducing a 20mph speed limit.
 
“But many people have been worried about the cost involved.  Today’s announcement should go some way to quelling those fears – this could be a cheap, cost effective measure.”

Caroline Lucas, the Green general election candidate for the Brighton Pavilion constituency, said:
"Cutting the speed limit is a common sense solution to Brighton's traffic problems that would have immediate effects. 1 in 40 pedestrians struck by a car at 20mph die, compared with 1 in 5 at 30mph. At 40mph the survival rate falls to 10 per cent. The numbers speak for themselves; twenty really is plenty.

"It's clear on the doorsteps that this measure has overwhelming support among local residents."

"I welcome the Government's change of heart over the speed limit, and hope they will go further to help make our streets safer, making public transport more affordable, and offering practical alternatives that make it easier for people to leave the car at home."

For more information about the Greens view: www.brightonandhovegreenparty.org.uk