Wider use of 20mph limits should be backed by fleets, says FleetCheck

Car and van operators should welcome the wider use of 20mph speed limits to help reduce road risk, says FleetCheck.

The speed limit was implemented in urban areas in Wales last year, sparking complaints from some road users.

However, FleetCheck’s managing director, Peter Golding, says the risk management benefits for car and van operators is clear cut.

“When the Welsh government introduced their blanket 20mph limit last year, they did so on the grounds that it would save lives every year,” he explained. “It’s a position that very much chimes with fleet management best practice.

“Obviously, the speed limit on any road is a balance between journey time and accident risk, but it is very difficult to imagine that any vehicle operators are having their overall efficiency reduced in urban areas by a switch from 30mph to 20mph.”

In risk management terms, the lower speed limit is likely to reduce accidents and therefore it should be welcomed by fleets where it is proposed to replace current 30mph limits, he argues.

“There’s no doubt that the first time you drive through a lengthy 20mph zone, it does feel as though you are travelling at a much-reduced speed,” he continued.

“But the truth is that by the time you have added all the normal journey factors into the equation – from congestion to traffic lights – you won’t be arriving at your destination any more than a few moments later.

“Sadly, it’s a debate that is becoming less and less fact-based and more about politics. For that reason, politicians themselves may think twice before wider implementation in the future. However, fleets, with very real health and safety responsibilities, are bound to take a different view.”