20s Plenty for Kendal

The United Nations and the World Health Organization both agree that in places where people live, work, and socialise, the default speed limit should be 20mph. Local councils have a duty to protect residents, and these organisations have made it clear that implementing 20mph limits is an essential measure to achieve this.

There are numerous benefits to lower speed limits, including improved air quality, enhanced public health, reduced accident costs, and safer, more liveable streets.

Emissions

The need to cut emissions is more urgent than ever. The latest evidence confirms that a 20mph speed limit can reduce vehicle emissions by up to 28% compared with 30mph, as lower speeds mean less fuel consumption and less stop-start driving. In addition, a 20mph limit reduces particulate matter (PM10) pollution by up to 10%, helping to prevent respiratory illnesses, strokes, and heart attacks. Particulate matter also has significant environmental impacts, contributing to soil degradation, watercourse acidification, and damage to crops and forests. Given our council’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030, introducing a town-wide 20mph limit is a logical step.

Safety

The difference in safety between 30mph and 20mph is stark. A pedestrian hit by a car at 40mph has a 31% chance of being killed; at 30mph this drops to 10%, but at 20mph the risk is negligible. Children are three times more likely to be killed if hit at 30mph than at 20mph.

Slower speeds improve drivers’ fields of vision and reaction times, allowing them to stop in half the distance compared to 30mph. This means fewer collisions and fewer serious injuries. The safety benefits are particularly significant on busier, arterial roads with higher speeds, heavier pollution, and greater use by cyclists and pedestrians. Many main roads in Kendal are also residential, so it is crucial that the 20mph limit applies across the whole town.

Cost

The financial argument for 20mph is compelling. A single fatal accident costs the public purse around £2 million, while even minor accidents can cost £20,000. By contrast, implementing a “signs only” 20mph scheme in Kendal is estimated at around £150,000 - £200,000. Councils have a duty to make decisions that are in the financial interests of taxpayers, and 20mph is clearly a cost-effective choice.

Reduced Congestion and Journey Times

A common misconception is that lower speed limits increase journey times. However, research shows that in urban areas, 20mph can actually reduce journey times by up to 8%. Lower speeds lead to smoother traffic flow, fewer sudden stops, and less congestion. Arterial roads, in particular, benefit from reduced “flow breakdown,” making journeys more predictable and less stressful.

Active Travel

Slower speeds create a safer environment for walking and cycling. A 2020 survey found that 66% of people felt it was too dangerous to cycle on the roads. With over 50% of people walking less than a mile a day, there is a clear need for councils to make towns more pedestrian-friendly. By lowering traffic speeds, Kendal can become a safer and more pleasant place for people to walk and cycle, supporting better physical and mental health.

UK Towns Leading the Way

Many towns and cities across the UK have already implemented 20mph limits. Norwich, Tonbridge, and Chichester have all introduced 20mph schemes, while in London, 11 boroughs—including Camden, Islington, Hackney, and the City of London—have imposed 20mph limits on all local roads.

Lower Car Insurance Costs in Wales

Since Wales introduced a default 20mph speed limit, vehicle damage claims have fallen by 20%, leading to lower car insurance premiums. If this success were replicated across the UK, drivers could save an estimated £50 per year on insurance, equating to a total national saving of £1.4 billion.

A Town-Wide Approach for Kendal

The proposed 20mph scheme in Kendal would apply across the entire town, covering all residential areas, including main roads and arterial routes. These roads are not just transport corridors—they are where people live, walk, cycle, and go about their daily lives. Ensuring they are safe, healthy, and pleasant is essential.

The evidence is clear: lower speeds mean cleaner air, safer streets, and better quality of life. Now is the time to act.