UK Drivers Show Strong Support For Slower Urban Roads

Almost three-quarters of UK motorists would support making 20mph the standard speed limit in urban areas, according to new research.

The Startline Used Car Tracker found that 72% of drivers back the introduction of 20mph limits in towns and cities across the UK, and of those, 39% said they were comfortable driving at the lower speed. A nationwide move towards lower urban speed limits could also affect fleet operators, particularly where reduced speeds have an impact on journey times, route planning and driver productivity.

Safety appears to be one of the main reasons behind the support, with around a third of motorists believing that 20mph limits would make roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists. A further 14% believe lower speeds could help cut pollution.

The experience of Wales also appears to have influenced some drivers. The default urban speed limit was reduced to 20mph there in 2023, and 18% of respondents said they believed the change had contributed to fewer accidents and injuries. However, not everyone is convinced that lower limits are necessary. Almost one in five motorists (19%) believe the existing 30mph limit is already sufficiently safe. Meanwhile, 10% think 20mph restrictions are unnecessary in certain urban locations, while another 9% simply consider the lower limit too slow.

The findings follow calls from the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) for the government to introduce 20mph speed limits across urban areas throughout the UK. Paul Burgess, CEO of Startline Motor Finance, said “People generally recognise the safety and environmental gains of driving more slowly in urban areas, and also believe the Welsh experience has been ultimately positive. Objections are relatively few, with just one in five saying that the existing 30mph limit is safe enough. Most people believe lower speeds will bring about measurable improvements.”

Support for reducing speed limits is not limited to urban roads. PACTS has also proposed reducing the limit on 60mph roads to 50mph, while suggesting that the maximum speed on 70mph dual carriageways should be lowered to 60mph. The Startline survey found that 62% of motorists support these wider reductions. Although this is below the level of backing for 20mph urban limits, it still represents a clear majority.