News / Transport
Senior doctor backs new 20mph speed limits
A senior doctor from Bristol’s Royal Hospital for Children has spoken out in support of lower speed limits on the city’s roads, as the rollout of 20mph zones continues this week.
Dr Phillip Jardine said there was “no doubt that from a medical point of view” that vehicles travelling at slower speeds helped to prevent and mitigate accidents involving children.
The rollout of Bristol’s 20mph scheme continues this week in Henleaze, Horfield, Lockleaze, Sea Mills, Stoke Bishop and Westbury.
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Nearly all of the 30mph residential roads in the Inner North area are included in the scheme. The 40mph, 50mph and dual carriageways are not included and roads such as the A4018 Westbury Road and A4162 Canford Lane have also been excluded.
The plan, which the mayor George Ferguson said would make the city “safer and healthier”, has been controversial, with critics dismissing claims from Bristol City Council (BCC) that the impact on journey times is “remarkably small”.
Dr Jardine, a neurologist, said: “Unfortunately I see lots of children at the hospital that have been involved in traffic accidents and there is no doubt that from a medical point of view that if people drive more slowly, it will save children from accidents and save families from the terrible tragedies that I see.
“It’s not just injury prevention that comes with 20mph; I think there are lots of other benefits. We’re all aware that children are doing less physical exercise and anything that encourages children to get out and walk and cycle will be of benefit – it will just make Bristol a much more pleasant place to be. It’s about social change and I think the time has now come to drive more slowly.”
The 20mph schemes are being implemented on a rolling basis and are planned to be completed in 2015. For more information, including a map and timetable for each phase of the rollout, visit www.bristol20mph.co.uk
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