I would be interested in your findings. Historically, there was a
national speed limit of 20mph, with built up areas allowed to impose a
limit as low as 8mph until 1927 (I think that it was those RTAs - they
demanded that cycles carried reflectors too), its repeal led to the
proportionately highest death rates on the roads that this country has
experienced to date and was only alleviated by the mass pressure for a
30mph limit for built up areas coming to fruition in 1934, (that set of
RTAs imposing the white flash/reflector or rear lamp, both the 1927 and
34 demands caused a lot of angst amongst the cycling lobby of the time,
similar to the current debate over helmets). I have never researched why
the seemingly arbitary 30 mph was chosen but I doubt that it has any
serious scientific reasoning behind it. Personally, I would argue that
the repeal of the 20 mph national limit was one of the most regressive
acts of inter-war transport history in terms of the favouring of petrol
driven road vehicles over all other forms of land transport.
Nicholas Oddy.
-----Original Message-----
From: Cycling and Society Research Group discussion list
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Justin Spinney
Sent: 16 January 2008 14:33
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: 20mph speed limit research[Scanned-Clean]
Hi all
I am helping to put together a policy briefing for the London Cycling
Campaign on the relative costs and benefits of 20mph speed limits. I do
of
course have access to the usual BMJ articles regarding casualty
reduction
but have very little in relation to other aspects of 20mph limits, i.e
potential increases in journey times to other vehicle users. Any
pointers/
links to research relating to any aspect of 20mph limits would therefore
be appreciated.
Many thanks in anticipation of your help,
Justin Spinney
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