By Blind Spot DriveBlog

Rural Road Speeds to be Slashed from 60 to 20mph

Rural Road Speeds to Be Slashed from 60 to 20mph

Surrey County Council’s Plan to Improve Road Safety

Outline:

1. Introduction
   • Brief introduction to Surrey’s new road speed reduction plan
   • Significance of the change
2. Why Reduce Rural Road Speeds?
   • Rural road accident statistics
   • Current risks associated with 60mph limits on rural roads
3. The Pilot Program in Surrey
   • Key areas where the speed limits will be reduced
   • Overview of Guildford to Dorking pilot area
4. Rationale Behind the Speed Reduction
   • Explanation from Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council
   • Goals for improving road safety, air quality, and noise reduction
5. Dangers of Rural Roads at High Speeds
   • Risk factors such as difficult corners and roadside obstacles
   • The impact of high-speed head-on collisions
   • How these roads contribute to road fatalities in the UK
6. Young Drivers at Higher Risk
   • Statistics showing young drivers are at a 9% higher risk
   • Why rural roads are more dangerous for young, inexperienced drivers
7. Supporting Active Travel and Sustainability
   • How reducing speeds supports cycling, walking, and other forms of active travel
   • Benefits for local air quality and environmental impact
8. Expected Benefits of Lower Speed Limits
   • Predicted reduction in accidents and fatalities
   • How this move supports broader safety initiatives
9. Challenges of Implementing the New Speed Limits
   • Public perception and resistance to change
   • Logistical challenges of enforcing lower speeds
10. What Other Areas Could Learn from Surrey
    • Potential for other UK councils to follow Surrey’s lead
    • How the results of the pilot program could shape future policies
11. When Will the Pilot Begin?
    • Current timeline for the pilot program
    • Public consultation and next steps
12. How to Stay Safe on Rural Roads
    • Practical tips for driving safely on rural roads
    • Adjusting to new speed limits
13. Public Reactions and Concerns
    • Initial responses from residents and road users
    • Debate over whether lower speeds will be effective
14. Impact on Rural Economy and Communities
    • How reduced speeds may affect rural areas economically
    • Balancing safety with the needs of local businesses
15. Conclusion
    • Summary of the benefits and potential challenges
    • Final thoughts on the future of rural road safety in the UK

Rural Road Speeds to Be Slashed from 60 to 20mph: Surrey’s Groundbreaking Plan

Surrey County Council is preparing to make a major change to its road safety policy by reducing speed limits on many rural roads from 60mph to as low as 20mph. This is the first scheme of its kind in the UK and has been introduced as part of a pilot to address concerns about the safety and environmental impact of high-speed driving on rural roads.

Why Reduce Rural Road Speeds?

Rural roads are some of the most dangerous in the country, despite making up only 43% of the UK’s total road network. Shockingly, they account for 57% of all road fatalities. The current 60mph speed limit, introduced back in 1977, is no longer considered appropriate for modern road conditions. With sharp corners, unpredictable terrain, and roadside obstacles like trees, rural roads pose serious risks, especially at higher speeds.

The statistics speak for themselves: 10,000 deaths and serious injuries occur each year on these roads. For many experts, it’s clear that something needs to change, and Surrey’s new plan is a bold step in the right direction.

The Pilot Program in Surrey

Surrey’s pilot program will cover 80 square miles, spanning from Guildford to Dorking. The scheme aims to reduce speed limits to 20mph and 30mph in key areas. This decision has been made with the intention of making rural roads safer not just for drivers, but also for cyclists and pedestrians who are at increased risk on these roads.

Rationale Behind the Speed Reduction

Matt Furniss, a member of Surrey County Council, explained the reasoning behind this move. He stated that the current speed limits are “inappropriate for these types of roads.” Lowering speeds, he says, is not just about reducing the number of accidents, but also about lessening their severity. Slower speeds give drivers more time to react to hazards, reduce the force of impact in collisions, and support broader initiatives like improving air quality and reducing vehicle noise in rural communities.

Dangers of Rural Roads at High Speeds

The risks on rural roads are significantly higher due to various factors, including difficult corners, a lack of passive safety measures like crash barriers, and the presence of roadside obstacles such as trees. These hazards make high-speed driving particularly dangerous. Head-on collisions, in particular, are a major concern because the speeds involved magnify the severity of accidents.

Additionally, the unpredictable nature of rural roads – with sudden bends, limited visibility, and animals crossing – makes them particularly hazardous. Lowering speeds could drastically reduce these risks and save lives.

Young Drivers at Higher Risk

Young and inexperienced drivers are particularly vulnerable on rural roads. According to the AA, the risk to young drivers is 9% higher on rural roads compared to other roads. Inexperience, combined with overconfidence, often leads to accidents, especially at higher speeds. This is why reducing the speed limit is seen as an essential move to protect this group.

Supporting Active Travel and Sustainability

One of the key aims of reducing rural road speeds is to make the roads safer for alternative modes of transport, such as cycling and walking. With lower speed limits, there is a greater chance of encouraging people to use these more sustainable forms of transport, which in turn benefits public health and the environment.

Lowering speeds also has a positive impact on air quality. Vehicles traveling at slower, more consistent speeds tend to produce fewer emissions. This supports both local environmental goals and broader national initiatives to combat climate change.

Expected Benefits of Lower Speed Limits

By cutting speed limits on rural roads, Surrey hopes to see a substantial reduction in accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Slower speeds mean drivers have more time to respond to sudden changes, whether it’s a sharp bend or an unexpected obstacle. This move could also help reduce vehicle noise, making rural communities more peaceful places to live.

Challenges of Implementing the New Speed Limits

Of course, no major policy shift comes without challenges. One of the key hurdles will be public perception. Many drivers may resist the change, feeling that the current speed limits are adequate. There may also be concerns about how strictly these new limits will be enforced and whether they could cause delays or impact local businesses that rely on quick transport.

What Other Areas Could Learn from Surrey

If Surrey’s pilot program is successful, it could serve as a model for other counties in the UK. Many rural areas face similar challenges with high-speed roads, and this initiative could pave the way for broader changes across the country. The data gathered from this pilot could influence future policies and help make rural roads safer nationwide.

When Will the Pilot Begin?

Although Surrey County Council has announced its plans, the exact start date of the pilot has yet to be confirmed. The council will likely conduct public consultations and ensure that appropriate measures are in place to enforce the new speed limits before the pilot officially begins.

How to Stay Safe on Rural Roads

Whether or not you drive in Surrey, it’s always good to keep safety in mind when navigating rural roads. Here are a few tips to stay safe:

• Slow Down: Even if the limit is 60mph, adjust your speed based on road conditions.
• Stay Alert: Keep an eye out for sudden bends, wildlife, and other potential hazards.
• Don’t Tailgate: Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front, especially on narrow or winding roads.

Public Reactions and Concerns

Not everyone is thrilled about the new speed limits. Some locals argue that it will cause unnecessary delays and inconvenience, especially for those who need to travel longer distances. However, supporters of the plan believe that the benefits far outweigh the downsides, especially if lives are saved as a result.

Impact on Rural Economy and Communities

There are concerns that reducing speed limits could negatively impact the rural economy by slowing down transportation times. However, balancing safety with economic needs will be key. In the long run, safer roads could lead to fewer accidents and thus fewer disruptions for local businesses.

Conclusion

Surrey’s plan to slash rural road speeds is a bold and necessary move to address the dangers of high-speed driving in rural areas. While there may be challenges in implementing these changes, the potential benefits for road safety, environmental impact, and community well-being are significant. This pilot program could very well serve as a model for other areas of the UK, leading to safer roads across the country.

FAQs

1. Why is Surrey reducing rural road speed limits? Surrey is reducing speed limits to improve road safety, reduce accidents, and support environmental goals like improving air quality.
2. What areas will the new speed limits affect? The pilot will cover 80 square miles from Guildford to Dorking, with speeds reduced to
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