What is the point of 20 mph limit

[WhatPollyForgot]

If no one adheres to it? I drive through a 20 zone everyday and it is usually slow any way. Now the roads are much clearer and I am keeping to the limit. I get a lot of drivers overtaking. This is a residential street.

Today someone honked angrily as they overtook. Amusingly I caught up with them at the next traffic lights.

You're right, there is no point. It should be abolished, good idea.

Smack on 20mph is a bit irritating to drive behind, I must be honest.

Where I live it's mostly 20mph which most drivers adhere to even on 30 or 40 roads.

Take heart, the speed cameras are still on.

It's because hitting a pedestrian at 20 gives them a 90% chance of survival. So when it's the posted limit, that's how fast I go.

Because if you hit someone at that speed they're at a much lower risk of serious injury and death?!

Okay, what I should have said is what is the point, if they are not going to enforce it.

You don't need everyone to agree with it and want to obey it for it to have an effect. Every sensible and intelligent driver like @DisgraceToTheYChromosome following the limit will lower the average speed on the road as the speedsters get slowed down behind them. Some of the people who don't want to go at 20 will nevertheless go at only 26mph, whereas they would be going at 36mph if it was a 30 mph limit so the average speed is still reduced, and lives are saved. Just like with the CV19 distancing guidelines, the experts recommending the appropriate rules have already taken into account the expected rate of non-compliance when making the recommendation, and have chosen the recommendation for the optimum balance of different factors. They don't just make it up for fun, they have done real research and know what they are doing. Those who follow the rules have a huge effect in saving lives. Those who don't can enjoy their fines, points and speed awareness courses when they get caught, and it all works out in the end.