20mph speed limit over the whole of Islington?

[stuartp]

http://www.jennettearnold.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=43:supporting-20mph-speed-limits-in-islington&Itemid=56

 

I rarely drive around that way but it's the possibilities for the future that worry me. I really hope this doesn't / can't be implemented

 

What do you lot think?

 

20mph down little side streets or near schools etc makes perfect sense and I accept that but on larger roads it's going to be very unpleasant and I can't see it doing any good for anyone

 

How on earth will it be enforced too? speed cameras everywhere, loads of speed bumps or other trafic calming measures - sounds like an expensive nightmare

[jimbo]

I completely support it.

 

Reduced speed (30 to 20mph) makes a massive difference to survival rates/injuries sustained in accidents.

 

I struggle to think of a road in Islington where you can realistically make any real progress at 30mph vs 20mph. All that happens is you get to the next red light/queue of traffic sooner.

 

I reckon it'll be backed up with ANPR cameras across the borough measuring average speed and speed between fixed points in areas where drives are likely to put their foot down/or known accident blackspots.

[mk2 mike]

I drive round there daily and to be honest you're doing well if you reach 20mph, especially around the angel/upper st area (it took me 2hrs5min to do 8 miles through there the other day )anyway, i digress. Don't think it will make much difference in my opinion, there are lots of area that are 20mph and hardly anyone sticks to them. Surprised they chose that area rather than the west end to trial though.

[Skimmer]

We have had the 20mph in Oxford for around 2 years now even on the main routes and beleive you its hard to drive safely whilst looking at your speedo ...on the very 1st day it was implemented around 20 bus drivers got snapped by the ANPR vans and after alot of argueing etc with the powers that be the bus drivers got a let off .....and the complete ring road / bypass is set at 50 mph its all a bleeding joke and yes the ANPR and static cameras are everywhere

[stuartp]

do you reckon it'll be 20mph 24 hours a day? I can picture a very annoying drive late at night stuck in third gear pootling along watching your speedo for miles on end and not a soul around

 

I fully accept that it could save a few lives where people get hit by a slower moving car and I guess it's selfish to not want it if you look at it like that

 

I'm also aware that London traffic is certainly not the swiftest and most free flowing but there must be a few roads in the area (I can think of several) that are wide enough and don't have loads of shops / houses / schools etc and not likely to have pedestrians wandering out into them where the speed limit is already low enough

[jimbo]

do you reckon it'll be 20mph 24 hours a day? I can picture a very annoying drive late at night stuck in third gear pootling along watching your speedo for miles on end and not a soul around

 

This is where I have a real issue with speed limits. Two examples.....

 

If I've been out in town and am driving home at 3am, why is 40mph in a 30 unacceptable, when I can drive down that same stretch at 3pm at 30mph with schools kicking out, and 20mph is a much more appropriate speed.

 

Similarly, late at night on a motorway, with good conditions, why isn't a 100mph permitted, when I'm allowed to go at 70mph when it's nose-to-tail traffic and raining.

 

Sadly when the speed limits where introduced we got stuck with the idea of fixed speeds for stretches of road, rather than a grading system, that would allow drivers to match their speed to prevailing conditions. Of course, this relies on common sense and courtesy, which seems to be increasingly lacking on the roads (of London at least).

 

When I did my IAM course, the traffic copper leading it hinted that the approach to take with speed limits is that you should be "progress with caution".

 

I've yet to have the opportunity to tell a policeman that, when caught going faster than the limit that I am "Progressing with caution". I'll let you know how I get on

[Skimmer]

Its 20mph here (Oxford) 24/7, 365 days of the year

do you reckon it'll be 20mph 24 hours a day? I can picture a very annoying drive late at night stuck in third gear pootling along watching your speedo for miles on end and not a soul around

 

[Nick]

Agree with you there 63, the speed limits around oxford are stupid, especially the one ont he ringroad. Yes some kids may have died there, but they have put up huge concrete bollards in the centre to stop vehicles doing the same as what happened, so why the 50 limit :@ its not like many people stick to it after coming under the bridge (heading towards bmw from headington direction) most cruise at 50 till they can see that the van isnt there, then take it up to 70 anyway :/