Government proposes 20mph residential speed limits

Speed limits in residential areas could be cut to 20mph, and average speed cameras used to police the areas, as part of a Government strategy to cut road deaths by 2020.

• Ken Livingstone announces 20mph limit

The speed cameras would be used in place of traditional ‘traffic calming’ methods including the use of speed humps, pinch points, and rumble strips.

The plans would form part of a series of measures included in a road safety strategy that is currently being prepared by the Government.

Other proposals include a reduction in the drink-drive limit, and an automatic 6 penalty points for serious breaches of speed limits.

While the plan to cut speed limits may seem sound in theory, in practice it has proven ineffective, residents in Portsmouth say.

The town is one of two where a trial of 20mph limits has been conducted, but locals say motorists have ignored the lower limits, and that speed sensors warning drivers of their speed have been ineffective.