The 20mph speed limit introduced by the council in Richmond looks set to be a hot topic in the forthcoming local authority elections.
In March 2020, following a change in council, Richmond Council introduced a brand new 20mph speed limit. This speed limit would be enforced throughout the borough of Richmond. This has caused controversy among local residents who argue as to whether this change was necessary, and against the longer journey times caused by it.
The Council argues that this implementation is to reduce accidents with the council website saying, “even a 1mph reduction in average speed equates to a 5% reduction in accidents”. Some supporters of this speed limit, including cycling champion Tim Lennon, argue that it makes the local roads safer for cyclists. Tim goes on to say that, “it would be the definition of insanity,” to remove the newly implemented limit. Member of the local Green Party, Andree Frieze, has also lent his support for the 20mph limit as he thinks that it is, “essential to encourage people to use healthier and more active forms of transport” since the limit should make taking cars less efficient compared to public transport or cycling. However, hundreds of Richmond residents have taken part in a petition on the Council’s website to get rid of the 20mph limit. This petition led by Akash Gandhi claimed that, “there has been an increase in dangerous driving since the introduction”, with “people tailgating, behaving aggressively and overtaking other drivers.” According to the supporters of the petition, all of these cause an increase in danger to pedestrians and drivers. Given that hundreds have signed, it is clear that this is an opinion that is widely held.
Although the introduction of the 20mph limit has the backing of a significant part of the local community it is clear that there is unrest with this decision for some. With the council elections soon approaching, only time will tell whether the limit will remain.
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