20mph limits in Bristol could reduce child fatalities

The introduction of 20 mph traffic speed zones in Bristol could save children’s lives and be as successful as similar schemes in London.

Traffic speed zones of 20 mph  in London has reduced road injuries by more than 40 per cent.

The biggest benefit was found among young children as the numbers killed or seriously injured dropped by half.

According to research led by Chris Grundy, Department of Public Health and Policy at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, the introduction of the lower speed zones in the city could prevent 203 casualties every year.

Extending the 20mph zones out of London could prevent a  further 692 casualties annually.

The researchers said: “This evidence supports the rationale for 20 mph zones not just in major cities in Britain but also in similar metropolitan areas elsewhere. Indeed, even within London, there is a case for extending the currently limited provision of such zones to other high casualty roads.”

The research is published on the British Medical Journal website today.