Davies backs government move to cut traffic speed

OLDHAM’S Lib-Dem Euro-MP, Chris Davies, is backing a government proposal for the speed limit on Britain’s residential roads to be cut to 20 miles per hour

Department of Transport research shows that one in 40 pedestrians struck by a car at 20 miles an hour dies, compared with one in five at 30 miles an hour.

The Government is preparing a road-safety strategy for the next decade and will publish proposals later this year.

Figures show that in 2006,194 pedestrians were injured some of these very seriously, on the roads of Oldham.

Mr Davies, introduced a bill in the House of Commons to reduce speeds to 20 miles an hour in side streets while serving as an MP in 1997

He said: “Introducing 20mph limits away from main roads is a simple and effective means of saving lives that also improves the quality of life for everyone.

“The Government’s own transport department has found that the risk of a child being involved in an accident has reduced by around two thirds where 20 mile an hour zones have been installed.”