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Written question asked by Lisa Smart (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 12 February 2026. It was answered by Lilian Greenwood (Labour) on Tuesday, 17 February 2026 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Speed Limits

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has conducted analysis of 20mph zones introduced across different localities in England comparing their impact on number of incidents, serious injuries and fatalities; and whether her Department has developed best practice guidance to ensure consistent delivery.

Answer

The Department’s comprehensive three-year evaluation of the effect of 20mph signed-only limits was published on 22 November 2018. It substantially strengthened the evidence base on perceptions, speeds and early outcomes associated with 20mph speed limits.

The power to set local speed limits, including 20mph limits and 20mph zones remains with traffic authorities. Any authority that wishes to install such schemes has the Department’s full backing. We believe that traffic authorities are best placed to decide where lower limits will be effective on the roads for which they are responsible, and that consultation and community support should be at the heart of the process.

As outlined in the Road Safety Strategy, the Government will be reviewing and updating its guidance on ‘Setting Local Speed Limits’. This will support local authorities in making well‑informed decisions about managing speed on their roads.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
112271
Session
2024-26
Related items
Deposited Paper DEP2026-0008
Wednesday, 7 January 2026
Deposited papers
House of Commons
Subjects
Speed limits
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk