Resources
UK road safety organizations, research, and local initiatives.
UK Road Safety Organizations
ROSPA
Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents
Comprehensive road safety research, campaigns, and educational resources. Evidence-based policy recommendations on speed management.
Brake
Road Safety Charity
Campaigns for safer speeds and supports road crash victims. Annual Road Safety Week resources and community initiatives.
Think!
Government Road Safety Campaign
Official UK government road safety advice and campaigns. Highway Code updates and driving guidance.
Government Resources
Department for Transport - Speed Limits
Guidance on local authority speed limit setting, annual road casualty statistics (reported every September), and research on 20mph implementation outcomes.
20's Plenty for Us
National campaign supporting 20mph limits as default in residential areas. Local campaign resources and toolkits.
Research and Evidence
Transport for London (TfL)
"20mph Speed Limit Evaluation" (2021) – comprehensive analysis of London's rollout showing 42% casualty reduction in first year.
City of Edinburgh Council
Multi-year study showing sustained casualty reduction. Community attitude surveys and compliance data.
Living Streets
Research on pedestrian safety and street design. School campaigns promoting safer routes.
Local Council 20mph Initiatives
Many UK councils have implemented or are planning 20mph schemes across their regions. Below are detailed resources from major cities that have led the way:
Birmingham
Status: Approximately one-third of Birmingham's roads currently have 20mph limits, with plans for city-wide expansion
20mph Speed Limits in Birmingham: Slower is Safer
- Implemented in Edgbaston, Harborne, Selly Oak, Bournville, Ward End, Saltley, Bordesley, Sparkbrook, and Balsall Heath
- Exploring city-wide implementation following Birmingham Transport Plan
- Funding from Clean Air Zone surplus income
Brighton & Hove
Status: UK pioneer for comprehensive 20mph implementation, rolled out in phases from 2013-2015
Brighton & Hove Transport Planning
- City-wide 20mph limits starting with city centre in April 2013
- 25% reduction in child pedestrian casualties following implementation
- 82% support rate post-implementation in pilot areas
- Over 700 residents signed petitions for inclusion
Bristol
Status: City-wide 20mph implementation completed between 2012-2015, with comprehensive review completed
bristol20mph.co.uk · Open Data Maps
- Pilot schemes showed 82% resident support post-implementation
- Full city-wide rollout completed by 2015 covering most residential streets
- 2018 review received nearly 3,500 public responses with majority supporting current limits
- Contact: 20mph@bristol.gov.uk
Edinburgh
Status: Scotland's first 20mph city - comprehensive city-wide network implemented March 2018
20mph for Edinburgh · Facts & FAQs
- Increased coverage from 50% to 80% of roads between 2016-2018
- 30% reduction in road casualties
- Public support increased from 60% (2014) to 79% (post-implementation)
- Average speed reduced from 23.77mph (2016) to 21.92mph (2021)
- Contact: transport.roadsafety@edinburgh.gov.uk
Manchester
Status: Default 20mph limit approved for city centre and residential areas as part of Active Travel Strategy
- Announced plans in February 2023 to make 20mph the default on non-major roads
- Initial phases covering over 1,100 streets (111 miles) in residential and school areas
- Target: 70% of primary pupils and 40% of secondary pupils to walk/cycle to school by 2028
- Emphasis on culture change rather than enforcement
Oxford & Oxfordshire
Status: £8 million programme approved for county-wide 20mph transformation (2022-2026)
20mph transformation programme · Project progress tracker
- Over 70 communities applied for inclusion since October 2021
- Witney was the first major town to implement comprehensive 20mph limits
- Monthly updated progress tracker available
- Contact: 20restrictions@oxfordshire.gov.uk
Additional UK Cities with 20mph Schemes
London (various boroughs) - TfL reported 42% reduction in road casualties in first year in some areas. Individual borough websites contain specific information.
Cardiff & Wales - Wales introduced default 20mph on restricted roads in September 2023. First nation to implement nationwide 20mph policy.
Liverpool, Leeds, Newcastle, Sheffield, Portsmouth - All have varying degrees of 20mph implementation. Check individual council websites for local scheme details.
How to Find Your Local Scheme
- Visit your local council website and search for "20mph" or "speed limits"
- Look in the Transport, Highways, or Road Safety sections
- Many councils have interactive maps showing 20mph zones
- Parish and town councils often have information about local schemes
- Contact your local councillor for area-specific information
Getting a 20mph Limit on Your Street
Most councils accept applications or requests from residents for 20mph limits. Typical requirements include:
- Petition or support from local residents
- Support from parish/town council (where applicable)
- Support from local county councillor
- Meeting specific criteria (residential area, high pedestrian activity, near schools, etc.)
- Some councils require community contribution to costs
Check your local council's website for their specific application process and criteria.
Academic Research
- "20mph Research Study" – UCL and TfL partnership
- "The Association Between Speed Limits and Road Casualties" – Journal of Transport & Health
- Various studies available through the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL)
All statistics and sources were accurate as of late 2022/early 2023. Please verify current figures with the Department for Transport and relevant organizations.