Drivers are against the idea of a blanket 20mph speed limit on urban roads, new research from the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has found.
Half of drivers are against a blanket 20mph limit, a third support the idea and a fifth of drivers are undecided.
Male drivers are more likely to be against the idea than female motorists and younger drivers. Younger drivers too are more likely to be against 20mph limits, with 55 per cent of 17-24 year olds disagreeing with them.
Drivers are, however, supportive of 20mph zones outside schools, with 49 per cent agreeing they are a good idea. However, drivers are choosy about how such limits are enforced, with twice as many favouring signs than physical traffic calming measures, and three times as many favouring signs over speed cameras.
Three quarters of drivers think a 20mph limit will increase pedestrian safety, while just one in five drivers saw lower limits as an advantage for cyclists. Pollution and noise were not seen as important benefits.
IAM chief executive Simon Best said: "Drivers are not as negative about 20mph speed limits as many commentators would have us believe. Those responding to our survey found it quite easy to stick to 20 and there is large scale support for 20mph outside schools."
"However, most drivers don't want 30mph zones to be replaced with 20mph in towns. Many drivers still need to be convinced it would be a benefit. Re-education is also much more popular than prosecution."
68 per cent of drivers would like to see the introduction of a special re-education course for drivers caught doing up to 30mph in a 20mph zone.
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