Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Speed Limits

Thursday 8 February 2024 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Theresa Villiers questioned the government on discussions with local authorities about 20 mph speed limits.
  • The government responded that blanket 20 mph zones without local backing can be detrimental to drivers and may undermine protections for vulnerable road users.
  • Ruth Cadbury criticized the government's approach to low-traffic neighbourhoods and 20 mph zones, suggesting they are being weaponised against local authorities.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Theresa Villiers Con
Transport
Context

The question arises from concerns about local authorities implementing 20 mph speed limits without proper consideration of road conditions and public support.

Question

What discussions has he had with local authorities on the implementation of 20 mph speed limits on roads? The MP notes that these limits can be effective in quiet, narrow residential side streets but criticises their imposition on wide main roads without adequate consultation or justification. She cites an example in Barnet Council where a large 20 mph zone is proposed for Whetstone without sufficient local support.

Answer from Mark Harper

The right hon. Friend agrees that blanket 20 mph zones without local backing, such as those imposed by Labour across Wales and London, are detrimental to drivers and may undermine specific protections for vulnerable road users near schools. The government will issue stronger guidance on restricting these zones and is prepared to take further action against non-compliant councils.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly confirm intervention but discussed policy direction

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Q2 Theresa Villiers Con
Transport
Context

Concerns about the imposition of blanket 20 mph speed limits without proper local consultation and support.

Question

The MP highlights that while 20 mph zones can be effective in quiet, narrow residential streets with local consent, they are unjustified when applied to wide main roads. She raises a specific case in Barnet Council proposing a large 20 mph zone for Whetstone without adequate consultation.

Answer from Mark Harper

The right hon. Friend agrees with Labour's approach in Wales and London, which has imposed blanket 20 mph zones without public support, damaging the effectiveness of such measures in areas where they are needed. The government will issue stronger guidance to restrict these policies and may consider further action against councils failing to comply.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm intervention but discussed policy direction

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Q3 Ruth Cadbury Lab Brentford and Isleworth
Transport
Context

Concerns about the government's policy of “Plan for drivers” potentially undermining local authorities' ability to implement safety measures such as low-traffic neighbourhoods and 20 mph zones.

Question

The MP acknowledges that local authorities can effectively deliver their own strategies like low-traffic neighbourhoods and 20 mph zones, but criticises the government's “Plan for drivers” for weaponising these policies. She asks if he will stop using them against local authorities and recognise all road users, not just those in vehicles.

Answer from Mark Harper

The hon. Lady's question was written before she heard the answer; it is clear that 20 mph zones make sense near schools and other appropriate areas but not when imposed indiscriminately without regard to circumstances, as Labour has done in Wales.

Not addressed: Did not address the specific ask about stopping weaponisation of policies

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