The World Health Organisation has begun a campaign to encourage low-speed streets in urban communities.
Under the banner of #Love30 the WHO says that 30 km/h (20 mph) speed limits where people and traffic mix make for streets that are safe, healthy, green and liveable.
As part of the 6th UN Global Road Safety Week the WHO is calling on policymakers to act for low speed streets worldwide, limiting speeds to 30 km/h where people walk, live and play.
The organisation sees the 30 km/h streets as vital in efforts to shift to zero-carbon mobility, in that they can reduce car dependency (and promote walking and cycling) and harmful vehicle emissions that contribute to climate change.
“To protect the environment, people need safe, low-speed streets that encourage sustainable transport choices.” it says on a post on its website.
UK cities are already pioneering low-speed traffic areas. A year ago streets in the central London Congestion Charging Zone were given a new speed limit of 20mph.
Explaining the rationale for the move TFL said “if you hit someone at 30mph they’re five times more likely to die than if you hit them at 20mph. That’s why this new limit is so important and why we ask for you as a driver to watch your speed as you’re driving through central London.”
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels
