HC Deb 24 May 1993 vol 225 cc409-10W
23. Mr. Jenkin

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimates have been made of the effect of 20 mph zones on the safety of local roads.

Mr. Kenneth Carlisle

The Transport Research Laboratory is currently carrying out a study into the effectiveness of 20 mph zones in improving safety on local roads. Early research shows that reductions in speed brought about by the traffic-calming measures have resulted in a 50 per cent. fall in road casualties within these zones. It has also been found that accidents on surrounding roads have not increased. However, it is still very early days and much remains to be learnt about the operation of 20 mph zones.