Speed reduction conference to be held
A conference on 20mph speed limits will hear that Shropshire is significantly worse than the England average for killed and seriously injured on the roads.
Professor John Whitelegg will present evidence from national experts that 20mph speed limits on all residential streets and roads will save lives and reduce traffic danger.
Every Shropshire Council councillor, town and parish councillor and community campaign group concerned about road safety have been invited to the conference, which takes place at Theatre Severn on September 30 and starts at 1pm..
Millions of people in the UK currently benefit from general 20mph speed limits but not in Shropshire.
Speed limits have been imposed in towns such as Bolton, Glasgow, York and Cambridge.
According to Prof Whitelegg, the official policy of Shropshire Council is that it accepts that residents will experience a higher risk of death and injury on the roads than is the case in council areas that have prioritised road safety and adopted 20mph.
The chances of being killed when hit by a vehicle are very low at 20mph and much higher at 30mph and above.
General 20mph speed limits are recommended by the World Health Organisation and many national organisations concerned with road safety and public health specialists including Public Health England, Sport England and The Department for Transport Manual for Streets.
Priof Whitelegg says that the official view of Shropshire Council is that it disagrees with all the research, advice and recommendations of these prestigious, independent, evidence-based bodies and does not support general 20mph speed limits.
Prof Whitelegg, who lives in Church Stretton, said: “General 20mph speed limits on all residential roads is a proven highly effective public health measure that saves lives, reduces pressure on A&E in our hospitals, encourages walking and cycling for short distance journeys, reduces congestion in school term time and reduces air pollution.
"It is a “no-brainer”. It is supported by an impressive list of scientific bodies and public health organisations and individuals but not in Shropshire. The conference will set out the case for 20mph and urge Shropshire Council to follow scientific road safety advice and best practice and reduce death and injury on our roads."
Shropshire Council was unavailable for comment.
