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Bristol 20mph zones: Four lives a year saved, study finds

BBC Bristol 20mph zonesBBC
Bristol's 20mph zones were designed to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, and support people to be more active

More than four lives a year have been saved since the introduction of 20mph zones across Bristol, research by the University of the West of England (UWE) has found.

Average speeds on roads where the 20mph limit was introduced fell by a "statistically significant" 2.7mph since 2014.

About 170 injuries were prevented, saving £15m a year, the report added.

It said the policy was now a "model for cities across the world".

More than 36 million vehicle movements were analysed by the UWE team, following the roll-out of 20mph zones in 2014.

The policy has proved controversial, but the Bristol Twenty Miles Per Hour Limit Evaluation (Brite) study found:

  • Average speeds on 20mph roads are now 21.8mph during daytime (7am to 7pm), and 24.1mph at night
  • On 30mph roads, average speeds are 25.1mph during daytime and 27.6mph at night
  • The estimated total number of injuries avoided each year is 4.53 fatal, 11.3 serious, and 159.3 slight injuries
  • The city has saved an estimated £15,256,309 a year thanks to lower casualty figures

While the report confirms support for 20mph zones is high, there is "cynicism" about lack of police enforcement and compliance from "other drivers".

It suggests that the policy has seen a doubling of the number of people who now find it "sometimes acceptable" to speed on residential roads.

Global example

Lead author of the Brite report Dr Pilkington said the findings were "very promising" for the city and for 20mph speed limits in general.

"It offers a model for other towns and cities across the world, who are seeking to reduce traffic speeds, cut road traffic casualties, and promote community health and wellbeing," he said.

Bristol City Council said it would carry out a review of the 20mph policy in the Spring.

Cllr Mhairi Threlfall, cabinet member for transport, said: "It is early days but the results are a positive indication that lower speeds are making it safer to get around in Bristol."