UK speed limit on 60mph roads to be reduced to 30 and 20mph for the first time

It is hoped the speed limit change will improve road safety

A council in England has decided to introduce speed limits of 20 and 30mph across part of an 80-mile stretch of land in a bid to improve road safety. In the UK, there is a default speed limit of 60mph across country roads which has been in place since 1977. However, it is these roads that are often the most dangerous for motorists, as they often involve sharp, winding corners, obstacles such as trees on both sides of the road, and a lack of safe passing areas. Roughly 10,000 deaths and serious injuries among motorists, cyclists and walkers occur on these roads. According to the Times, this equates to 57 percent of road deaths in Britain, despite rural roads seeing just 43 percent of traffic. Surrey County Council has now decided to slash the speed limit across an 80-mile stretch of land between Guildford and Dorking in a bid to make rural roads safer for all, LocalGov reports. Speaking about the decision, Matt Furniss, council member for transport, infrastructure and economy, said: "This project is an important opportunity for us to improve the safety of our rural roads in the south and southwest of Surrey and ensure that the most appropriate speed limit is applied to each. "Most rural roads in the area are still subject to the national speed limit of 60mph, which is inappropriate for these types of roads. "Evidence suggests that implementing lower speed limits should reduce the number and severity of road collisions, whilst also helping to support our active travel programme, improve air quality, and address concerns over excessive vehicle noise." As of yet, a date has not been announced for when the reduced speed limit trial will begin. The move comes as calls grow for the default speed limit in built-up areas to be reduced from 30mph to 20mps. Last month, the Welsh government passed a law agreeing on a 20mph national speed limit to be rolled out next year across residential roads and busy pedestrian streets. Welsh climate change minister Julie James told WalesOnline that the plans are part of wider efforts to create "solutions that have a positive impact on public health environment and communities." Related links:

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