Lower speed limits in built-up areas will reduce accidents, study finds
Teresa Keating of the Institute of Public Health said 20mph in the North and 30kph speed limits in the Republic are becoming more widespread in built-up areas, particularly in residential areas as well as near shops and schools.
The new measures, she said, have been proven to increase safety.
“Recent research has shown reducing speed limits to 30kph or 20mph reduces the number of accidents and the severity of injuries,” Ms Keating said. “In this context, it’s worth pointing out that studies indicate children, older people and those living in deprived communities are most vulnerable to such road traffic injuries.”
She will tell the IPH Open Conference in Belfast of the associated benefits to speed restriction measures.
“Residential streets become safer places for children to engage in active outdoor play and more conducive to community and neighbour interaction,” said Ms Keating. “Research in 2013 from Edinburgh has shown that the proportion of older primary school children allowed to play unsupervised on the street outside their home rose from 31% to 66% following the introduction of 20 mph speed limits.
“In addition, the environment becomes safer and more appealing for pedestrians and cyclists with ensuing health benefits from active travel and physical activity. A study carried out in Bristol in 2012 showed that walking and cycling rates rose by 23% and 20.5% respectively following the introduction of 20mph speed limits.”
Ms Keating said introducing lower speed limits is not without its challenges.
“Emissions are highest in slow-moving traffic,” she said. “However, reducing traffic volumes — by getting more people to switch to public transport and active travel — improving road design and driver behaviour can play significant roles in reducing emissions. In addition, getting drivers to change their perception about what is an appropriate driving speed is a long-term challenge.”
Papers on public health issues will be presented to 300 health and social care practitioners, policy-makers, individuals from the community and voluntary sector, and academics at the conference.
Waterford Institute of Technology’s Elaine Mullan will outline policy changes that would help to promote higher levels of sustainable active transport. “We need multi-level interventions that address policy implementation, environmental infrastructure, social norms and individual knowledge and skills,” she said.
Dr Mullan, a lecturer in health-related social sciences, will recommend ‘active travel officers’ be appointed to all local authorities, while all schools, colleges, and workplaces should be mandated to develop and implement active travel plans to include enforcement measures and penalties. Furthermore, she advocates significant changes to the design and layout of neighbourhood streets and roads to make walking and cycling safer.
