Sue calls for local councils to reduce speed limits to 20mph outside schools

12.56.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 23rd Jul 2009

This week Sue Doughty and her Lib Dem council colleagues across Guildford have launched a campaign calling on Guildford Borough Council and Surrey County Council to lower the speed limit outside schools and in residential areas to 20mph.

Sue said, "Over half of all road deaths and injuries happen on 30mph roads with children being most likely to be the victims. If speeds are lowered to 20mph children are 70% more likely to avoid being involved in an accident yet we still allow drivers to do 30mph outside schools and put them at risk. We are asking the local councils to follow the example of Bristol and Portsmouth and reduce the speed limit to 20mph outside schools and in residential areas."

Research shows that as well as reducing injury and death rates amongst children involved in road traffic accidents it also reduces traffic and noise pollution, and encourages people to use other forms of transport such as walking or cycling.

For drivers the effect on journey times would be minimal. Sue explained, "On average a 15 minute journey at 30mph will only be increased by 60 seconds on a 20mph road - a small price to pay for the improved safety of our children and giving older people more confidence."

If you support this campaign please sign the petition below:

Related Link:

Sign Sue's 20's PLENTY petition.