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Brake Reiterates Call For 20mph Urban Speed Limit
Mon, 29 Nov 2010

A leading road safety group has called on the government to reduce the default speed limit for urban areas to 20 mph following research that shows that most children think motorists drive too fast.

A national survey, conducted by Brake and insurance company QBE as part of Road Safety Week 2010, revealed that 86 per cent of nine to 13-year-olds believe drivers speed in their local areas.

More worryingly, it also found that as many as 10 per cent kids have been knocked down while walking or cycling, while a further 56 per cent have faced ‘near miss’ situations.

Six in ten of the 15,531 9 nine-13 year olds surveyed also said that the believe the roads around their home and school are too dangerous for people on foot or bicycles.

Brake has reiterated the importance of a 20mph speed limit instead of 30mph, saying a driver would have a better chance of stopping their car in time to prevent hitting someone.

Julie Townsend, the charity’s Campaigns Director, said: "For a society that places so much importance on the safety and wellbeing of our children, it is shocking and unacceptable that so many children die and suffer appalling injuries on our roads."

"One of the best ways we can protect children is by slowing down to 20mph when driving in communities."

"This gives motorists a good chance of stopping in time if a child runs out in front of their vehicle, while it also makes residential areas more family-friendly."
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