Calls by parliamentary under-secretary of state for transport Norman Baker to reduce all urban speed limits to 20mph on safety grounds have been dismissed by his own department.
Baker was quoted in the national press saying that ownership of urban roads should be 'shared by motorists, cyclists and pedestrians'. He cited studies and test schemes which had seen significant reductions in pedestrians and cyclist casualties who are hit at 20mph are less likely to be killed than at 30mph.
However a spokeswoman for the Department for Transport said there were no plans to change the 30 mph default speed limit.
"To do so would have huge resource implications and place additional burdens on local authorities who are already free to implement 20mph limits where they decide it is appropriate," she added.
Malcolm Bingham, head of road network management policy at the Freight Transport Association, said he was surprised that Baker was making noises about such a proposal as the previous government had run a policy where local authorities could chose to introduce a 20mph limit on a case by case basis.
"There are a lot of these schemes around at the moment and where our members have had concerns is on signage. If an area changes from 30 mph to 20mph without the correct signage drivers will forget and break the law by mistake.
"I would also ask do you really need a 20mph limit around schools during holiday times? And how is it going to be enforced?"
Road Haulage Association director of communications Kate Gibbs added: "We support the change in speed limits as long as it can be proved in areas where there is evidence it is effective. It should not just be slapped on to any area."
Despite being contacted by CM, Baker was unavailable to comment.
