Surprising 20mph zone accident statistics revealed

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has released figures showing that accidents on Britain’s roads have increased by 26% in 20mph zones, causing surprise amongst motoring groups and Government.

Contrary to the belief that 20mph zones are crucial to lowering road accidents, the Institute of Advanced Motorists has used Government data to show that in fact serious accidents increased by a quarter on roads with the lower speed limit in 2013.

If true, the findings add significant weight to the argument against 20mph zones and their impact upon the flow of traffic – as well as the wider impact on commuting, commercial vehicle usage and thus the economy.

Upon closer inspection, the IAM found that slight accidents had risen by 17% and cases leading to serious injury had risen by an even more concerning 29%. In contrast, accidents in 30mph and 40mph zones were found to be falling. though by a smaller proportion.

These figures may cause the Government to reconsider plans to bring in more 20mph driving zones across Britain’s roads. It was thought such a move would yield a decrease in accidents and injuries, but statistics appear to show otherwise.

Chief Executive of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, Simon Best, questioned the effectiveness of speed control areas, saying:

“More and more roads are being given a 20mph limit but they do not seem to be delivering fewer casualties.

"The IAM are concerned that this is because simply putting a sign on a road that still looks like a 30mph zone does not change driver behaviour.

"More evaluation and research is needed into the real world performance of 20mph limits to ensure limited funds are being well spent.

"In locations with a proven accident problem, authorities need to spend more on changing the character of our roads so that 20mph is obvious, self-enforcing and above all contributes to fewer injuries.”

Mr Best went on to say that Britain should look to Europe for guidance on the matter, suggesting long-term investment in shared and non-shared surfaces have resulted in safer conditions for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike.

But IAM’s findings have been labelled “bogus” in some quarters. Not for profit organisation, 20’s Plenty For Us has pointed to the fact that the number of miles restricted to 20mph has increased dramatically in recent years meaning that there are a significantly greater number of miles in which accidents can take place. By this token they say that this data is “entirely expected” and should be assessed accordingly.

Rod King, campaign director for the organisation said, “We are amazed and disappointed that the Institute of Advanced Motorists should make such a woeful mistake in their conclusions from the DfT statistics.”