A large northern city has announced that it could soon reduce the speed limit on 88 roads to just 20mph to cut road casualties, with speeders at risk of fines.
Motorists using nearly 90 roads in a popular northern city may soon need to slow down or face significant fines if a new law is introduced.
Bradford Council has announced that it is considering lowering the speed limit of 88 residential roads from 30mph to 20mph.
A spokesperson for Bradford Council noted that the move could have a number of benefits for the city, helping to reduce the number of casualties caused by motorists.
They explained: "Studies have shown that for each 1mph reduction in average speed, there is a six percent reduction in accident rates.
"This lower speed limit also promotes sustainability by encouraging walking and cycling, which helps reduce carbon emissions and traffic congestion. Implementing a 20mph zone support broader goals of creating safer, more sustainable, and more liveable urban environments."
The announcement comes after the Transport Secretary Louise Haigh announced that she will give her support to local councils looking to reduce the speed limits of residential roads.
Bradford Council has stated that, if the change goes ahead, it would affect roads in Manningham and Heaton areas of the city.
To help decide whether a reduction in speed limits is beneficial, Bradford Council has opened a consultation, with residents able to share their thoughts until midday on September 6 2024.
Taking to social media, residents were left divided by the announcement, with some stating that it will lead to more fines, whilst others arguing even more measures should be taken to reduce speeding.
They wrote: "There is no point in Bradford Council changing nearly 90 roads to 20mph if West Yorkshire Police don't have enough staff to enforce the existing speed limit."
Another argued: "If so many people didn't drive so badly it would not be needed! Don't blame the council, take responsibility!"
Whilst Bradford Council's announcement has gained the attention of many road users, it is not the first time that an authority has reduced speed limits in the UK.
Most notably, the Welsh Government introduced a blanket 20mph speed limit on most restricted roads in the country in September 2023.
The measure was taken to improve road safety and air quality in the area, however many residents are against the new speed limit. According to a YouGov survey, 72 percent of Welsh motorists were against the 20mph limit.
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