Vlod, what I am saying is that there would be no need to explain the benefits of 20 miles per hour if drivers already recognised that their average speed was 20mph anyway.But, since you so gently asked, how many benefits do you want me to list? Below are some of them, in no particular order but as they come to mind.Reducing collisions - discussed at length on this thread and elsewhere;Healthier environment - lower speeds equals lower carbon emissions, improves air quality, and makes streets safer for pedestrians. This point has been made many times!;Encourages sustainable travel - yes, believe it or not lower speeds makes roads more inviting for walking, cycling, and public transport. Traffic flows without braking;Safer for pedestrians - when you are not driving you are a pedestrian. Lower speeds makes it less likely that you will be injured or killed by a driver - a direct benefit to you;Oh go on then - 20mph roads are safer for cyclists! Not just safer for adults but Sammy too. Sammy, cycling to school, is less likely to be injured or killed. Sammy is someone's son, brother, cousin, friend; It reduces the dominance of motor vehicles since people are catching on that it can be quicker to cycle or take the bus, when it uses a bus lane!Increases the amount of fines for driving at inappropriate speeds - nothing can be done where 28mph on a road that has a 30mph speed is way too fast for the conditions. However, the same speed in the same conditions on a 20mph speed limit enhances the chances of a fine, a speed awareness course or points on licence to point out to the driver the error of their ways.
Ben Owen ● 598d