To ask if anyone actually sticks to 20mph speed limits?

The only 20 limit I have encountered is on Finchley Rd in London, and you’ve got to stick to it as there are cameras every 10m.

I just think it’s great - they can estimate how many lives have already been saved by these speed restrictions and it does become easier to go steady with practise - and it makes driving in the towns quite chilled

I do and I often wonder if many of those that don't adhere to speed limits have those dodgy number plates that don't show up properly on cameras

I've noticed where I am that it also improves traffic flow. Previously it was quite hard to join one of the busy roads here in a specific section so you had queues of idling cars building up in side roads (also bad for pollution). Now it's super easy to join and definitely keeps traffic moving better.

I don’t if it’s just me - but if someone in front of me is pootling along at 20 I won’t tailgate or hassle them, I always stay well back from the car in front whatever speed we’re doing. In fact I’m grateful to them for forcing me to stay under the speed limit.

Honestly, in Wales in absolutely unnecessary areas? No.

But I wouldn’t tail gate anyone doing the speed limit, just roll my eyes and swear to myself.

Our county is a blanket wide 20 zone in towns, villages and hamlets etc, has been for a good 3 years. Can't remember the last time anyone actually stuck to it, which is awesome as a disabled pedestrian.

Our bus driver pushed it the other day trying to overtake 4 cars on a straight which leads to a blind bend, of which there were traffic lights at. We just missed an oncoming van. He then bolted through the next village.

It’s not just a Wales issue! Oxfordshire is the pits for this. 20 in rural area today - no houses visible! Cannot get through road “gates” as everyone is so slow! The stats on accidents might be interesting but I doubt we will get to see them. Perfectly ok outside schools by the way but it’s just too much in Oxfordshire now.

We have also noticed an absence of repeat 20 marks on the roads too. Plus often 20 signs are not repeated - and they should be! As 40 should be. It’s partly about money making via fines. Confuse the driver and fine them!

I generally stick to speed limits. They’re there for a reason. That’s not to say I’m perfect but I try to keep to the limit as I also cycle and walk and I’m aware of the difference speed limits can make to safety.

At most, if the journey was all 30mph roads and they are now all 20mph roads, your journey time is 1.5 x longer. So if your commute was 10 minutes it will now be 15 minutes. The chance of death when a pedestrian is hit at 30mph is 20%. That drops to 2.5-10% at 20mph. That's got to be worth it?

Yes I go 20 - not saying it doesn’t feel tediously slow sometimes but hey it’s the limit 🤷‍♀️ I set the cruise control if I can (and drive automatic) so then can just chill and wait until can speed up when limit changes.

The queues at traffic lights are longer as less can get through due to the speed. It feels like it anyway. There seems to be more queues when it was more free flowing. Might be other factors (school streets etc) and not just the speed limit. Not saying it’s not worth it if it saves lives but a shame that I may have to look for another job due to the increased travel time.

Honestly, I don't always stick to the speed limit, I go with the flow of the traffic. During my first few years of driving, I had a telematics insurance policy, so had to drive at the speed limit, I found it incredibly stressful with constant tailgating, overtaking, horn beeping etc. There is evidence that not keeping up the traffic flow is more dangerous than speeding.

I had a police car behind me coming home the other evening (no lights or sirens) so I was very careful to stick to 30 exactly. After 5 mins of driving like this, they overtook me and sped off. I imagine the police find it incredibly frustating having everyone slow down around them!

I'm yet to receive a speeding ticket.

I had to do a speeding course or pay a fine. Tbh the course was paid so it saved about 25 quid 😆

Anyway, not proud of it at all, but I went 23 in a 20 speed zone so I did think it was a bit silly at first.

However, it opened my eyes how useless, dangerous (for others!), and annoying it is to speed - if I only go over by 1mph. It literally doesn’t get you anywhere faster.

So now I never speed anymore. Def noticed how wound up people get when you just drive at the at the speed limit, and it’s often vans or tacis. They probably spend a lot of time on the roads, but still no excuse to act like a prick.

@SpreadsheetLife My DH had visited a friend and realised a police car was behind him and was also careful about sticking to the speed limit. They overtook him with their blue lights on and stopped him. The reason: his car was too expensive and he might have stolen it! Then they breathalyzed him. It was our car and he had not consumed alcohol. There are unforeseen consequences to sticking to the speed limit. He did complain to the police but I guess they didn’t have anything better to do: 2 women officers.

I was reading earlier an article about Welsh insurance premiums, which have reduced on average due to 20mph. That really is a sign of success.

Speeding up to or driving 30 mph often just means you arrive at the next red light or queue of cars slightly sooner.

Most 20 mph zones are relatively short (often under 2 miles). Over a 2-mile stretch, rushing at 30 mph saves you a maximum of 2 mins at most assuming you don't hit a single obstacle

Tailgating is illegal

My London Borough is 20mph on every road apart from the bypass. So I'm used to it now. And when I go outside of London, I find 30mph too fast in a town.

"There is evidence that not keeping up the traffic flow is more dangerous than speeding."

The traffic flow needs to adjust to the speed limit.

In parts of Bristol and Bath, where i drive regularly, it's an unachievable target. Most of the I'm crawling along at 5mph.

On a road I know well that’s clear, and I know there are no cameras, honestly I don’t. Some of the speed limits around my area are ridiculous - 20 on a road with very few pedestrians, no houses right on the road etc. No need for 20.
I don’t tailgate those who are going the speed limit, however.

No, but I'll make sure I don't go over 30.

I do. If someone wants to overtake then they can crack on, I’m happy sticking to the speed limit.