20mph survey: Drivers’ opinions of 20mph speed limits

The IAM commissioned Lake Market Research in March 2014 to survey 1000 drivers for their opinions on 20mph speed limits and road safety.

The survey covers a representative sample by gender, age and UK region.

Councils now have the power to introduce 20mph speed limits and zones without obtaining consent from the Secretary of State.

Speed Zones refer to a collection of streets with a 20mph limit whilst Speed Limits are set for individual roads. Some local authorities have set 20mph speed limits on a number of individual roads so creating blanket coverage of residential areas with a 20mph speed limit.

Our survey shows most drivers are not in favour of replacing 30mph limits with 20mph limits, however there is large scale support for 20mph limits outside schools and strong support for a tailored education course rather than a fine for drivers caught speeding up to 30mph in 20mph zones.