Latest figures show that the council’s 20mph zones are saving lives and reducing injuries, with accidents in the Dartmouth Park Hill 20mph zone reducing by 65% since implementation.<br><br>National studies concluded that where 20mph zones are introduced, average car speeds fall by around 9mph, while the total number of crashes falls by 60%. <br><br>The Health Development Agency have also concluded that a reduction in speed limits on residential roads to 20mph would save lives and that traffic calming measures would cut death and injury among children by as much as 67%. <br><br>Information signs will be placed within the Dartmouth Park Hill zone in October to raise awareness of speeding and the significance of traffic calming for both pedestrians and motorists.<br><br>Councillor Bridget Fox, Executive member for sustainability, said: “Residents repeatedly express concern about speeding, so these results are a timely reminder of the effectiveness of 20mph zones.<br><br>We are also implementing a wide range of safety initiatives across the borough in our determination to keep road casualties falling and make our roads even safer."<br><br>Latest figures show that nearly half of all pedestrians hit by a car travelling at 30mph die. However, at 20mph, that figure is reduced to one in twenty.<br><br>Speed management offers great social and environmental benefits. 20mph zones are now common throughout the country and are an integral part of Islington’s vision of a safer and more pleasant future. As a rule, 20mph zones require self enforcing measures, such as speed tables and cushions to slow vehicular speeds.<br><br>ENDS~<br><br>Notes for editor:<br><br>SPEEDING TRAFFIC - THE FACTS <br>- In 2000, 66% of all car drivers exceeded 30mph limit.<br>- Nearly half of all pedestrians hit by a car travelling at 30mph die.<br>- Drivers are twice as likely to kill at 35mph than 30mph.<br>- A 1% reduction in average speed results in an average 5% less crashes.<br>- At 40mph most children are killed.<br>- At 30 mph half of children hit are killed.<br>- At 20mph one child in 20 is killed.
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009