URBAN SPEED LIMITS

That this House notes that a reduction of the national default urban speed limit from 30 miles per hour (mph) to 20 mph would help to prevent needless road casualties, encourage healthier lifestyles and reduce pollution; is appalled that, every day, five children and 25 adults are killed or seriously injured while walking or cycling on UK roads, every one devastating for families, every one entirely preventable; further notes that at 20 mph, stopping distances are about half that at 30 mph, meaning that drivers are much more able to stop in time in an emergency, such as if a child steps out; further notes that a reduction in the limit would help bring about more active and healthy lifestyles, with one trial showing that widespread 20 mph limits led to a 20 per cent increase in walking and cycling; further notes that 20 mph limits also reduce pollution by causing vehicles to travel at a more constant speed; congratulates Brake, the road safety charity, on using its parliamentary reception to draw attention to the benefits of 20 mph limits and drivers slowing down; and calls on policymakers and practitioners to take steps to reduce speeds and make the roads safer for walking and cycling.