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But putting up 20mph signs isn't really the same as having a 20mph speed limit. We already have notionally 20mph roads everywhere but they are largely ignored as there is little to no enforcement

The Dispatch@birminghamdispatch.bsky.social

Why did plans to lower the speed limit in Birmingham cause a media firestorm?

9/9/26, 10:53 am0 reposts4 likes

Pete Ashton

@peteashton.com

9 Sept

It's probably one of those generational things that will take a long time to settle into cultural norms. We've got, what, 70+ years of motorist supremacy to undo? Can't expect behavioural change this quickly, but it will come.

Pete Ashton

@peteashton.com

9 Sept

I think the best analogy for driving is smoking and how unthinkable the current situation of restrictions would have been 30 years ago.

Daz

@dazwright.com

9 Sept

The changes to smoking laws were enforced

Pete Ashton

@peteashton.com

9 Sept

All laws are mostly enacted by consent. It's impossible to enforce something universally without if unless you go dictator, so best to push hard for change to norms with light touch. I reckon.

Daz

@dazwright.com

9 Sept

We've also had most of our 20mph limits in place for 10 years now with no sign that people pay much attention to them

MegaSlippers

@megaslippers.net

9 Sept

Bingo, I'd happily have a blanket 20 limit but we should probably enforce the existing rules of the road first.

Daz

@dazwright.com

9 Sept

Without proper enforcement it actually increases erratic driving. I've seen some ridiculous overtaking whilst trying to stay at 20mph