New calls for a 20mph default speed limit in communities for safer walking and cycle by

Local MP, Mark Hunter, today added his voice to the "GO 20" campaign to make 20mph the default urban speed limit, in order to reduce accidents and improve road safety, at an event held in parliament by Brake, the road safety charity, and Allianz Insurance.

Mark has been a long-standing supporter of 20mph zones, introducing them outside schools during his time as Leader of Stockport Council and campaigning on road safety as part of his role as Shadow Transport Minister during the last government.

According to research, Eight in ten people (78%) across the UK believe 20mph should be the norm around schools, on residential streets, and in village, town and city centres.

With an estimated 12.5 million people in the UK now living in areas implementing or committed to widespread 20mph limits, Brake argues the country is reaching a tipping point where it makes social and economic sense to make a national change in our default, to the benefit of communities everywhere.

Areas that have already introduced 20mph limits have seen significant reductions in casualties, such as Portsmouth where they fell by 22%, and Camden, where crashes reduced by 54%.

As well as calling on the government to change the default urban limit to 20mph, Brake continues to encourage and support local authorities to GO 20 through implementing widespread 20 limits across cities, towns and villages.

Mark Hunter MP, said:

"I am pleased to support the "GO 20" campaign; 20mph limits reduce casualties, promote healthy lifestyles, reduce pollution and lowers costs. There is no justification for driving 30mph on streets where it is difficult to spot pedestrians, especially children, and I think now is the time for the government to take a fresh look at changing the default urban speed limit."

Julie Townsend, deputy chief executive, Brake, said:

"The "GO 20" campaign is about defending everyone's right to walk and cycle freely without being endangered, whether it's to get to work, school, the shops, or just getting out and being active. We need to tackle the senseless and violent casualties that continue to happen daily on our roads, and we need to enable people to live healthy, active, social lives.

"It's clear that 20mph limits in communities can help bring this about - and it's clear this is what people want. That's why so many local authorities are making the switch from 30mph to 20mph. With many people already reaping the benefits of living in 20mph areas, we're reaching a point where it makes no sense to retain 30mph as the default limit in built-up areas."