A new report has suggested that reducing speed limits to 20mph in built-up areas does very little to improve road safety.
Research from Queen’s University Belfast and the University of Edinburgh – which has been published online in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health this week – has revealed that 20mph speed limits had “no statistically significant differences” in terms of the number of crashes, casualty rates or average traffic speed.
These findings are based off data analysed from before and after the 20mph limit was introduced on 76 roads in the centre of Belfast back in 2016.
The authors of the report compared the roads with 20mph speed limits introduced with other roads in the surrounding area and elsewhere in Northern Ireland that had retained their 30pmh or 40pmh to monitor the impact it had.
The study found “little impact on long-term outcomes” in the city.
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A new report has suggested that reducing speed limits to 20mph in built-up areas does very little to improve road safety / Credit: Flickr & Geograph
While the report suggested that 20mph speed limits have little impact on their own, it recommended that if they could be combined with other measures – such as driver training, CCTV, and police communications – this could help to “facilitate an ambitious culture change, that shifts populations away from the car-dominant paradigm”.
The report also added that speed limits are not just for “road-safety intervention”, but can be a “part of the fundamental reset of the way we choose our life priorities.”
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Even though the report found there to be no significant differences to road safety through the introduction of 20mph speed limits, it did however discover that 20mph roads experienced a reduction in traffic.
Findings from this study come as schemes and campaigns to cut speed limits to 20mph have become increasingly popular in the UK and other parts of Europe in recent years.
Speaking on the study’s findings, Simon Williams – road safety spokesperson at the RAC – said: “The findings of this study are surprising as they appear to suggest that drivers on 20mph roads in Belfast hardly slowed down at all, despite the lower speed limit, which is at odds with other reports.
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20mph speed limits were d had “no statistically significant differences” / Credit: Geograph
“It seems there is a serious problem with compliance as we would expect that even without enforcement, average speeds would drop.
“Consequently, the study may demonstrate a need for councils to find other ways to get drivers to slow down, whether that’s through enforcement or modifying road design with traffic islands, well-designed speed humps or chicanes.”
AO Arena to host huge Europa League Final fan zone after Manchester United victory
Daisy Jackson
Manchester’s legendary AO Arena will once again host an almighty football fan zone later this year, welcoming in fans for the Europa League Final.
The huge venue previously hosted a Road to Victory fan zone for the Euros, and is now ready to replicate all the atmosphere and excitement of the beautiful game once again.
This time it’s in honour of Manchester United, who romped their way into the Europa League Final this evening with a spectacular 4-1 victory.
The Red Devils will be heading to San Mamés in Bilbao in Spain on 21 May 2025, and you’ll be able to watch all the action right here at home in Manchester.
The AO Arena Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be presented by Red Square.
There’ll be space for thousands upon thousands of football fans who’ll be able to watch United (hopefully) take home a nice bit of silverwear.
And, of course, a spot in the UEFA Champions League.
The event says: “Get ready to immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of the Europa Cup Final, presented by Red Square.
“Join us for an unforgettable event as we bring together passionate Manchester United fans for the largest indoor fan park extravaganza ever witnessed!
“MANCHESTER UNITED head to the Europa league final on Wednesday 21st May – Secure your tickets now!”
The Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be at the AO Arena on 21 May – grab your spot HERE.
Lorde to play massive Manchester gig later this year as part of world tour
Emily Sergeant
Lorde has announced she’s heading out on a massive world tour later this year, and of course she’s stopping off in Manchester.
The New Zealand-born singer-songwriter undeniably burst onto the music scene at the tender age of 16 with her runaway number one hit ‘Royals’ all the way back in 2013, and has been successfully cementing herself as a household name ever since.
Following her debut single, she has gone on to break several records with the releases of her first three studio albums.
She has also scooped up a handful of GRAMMYs and BRIT awards along the way.
Lorde is set to play a massive Manchester gig at the AO Arena later this year / Credit: Supplied
The 28-year-old – who is known and loved for her unconventional style of pop music and introspective songwriting – has recently delighted fans by confirming that she’ll be releasing her fourth studio album, titled Virgin, towards the end of next month, and not long after that highly-anticipated release is when you’ll be able to catch her taking to one of Manchester‘s biggest stages.
Fans of the critically-acclaimed pop star will be able to grab tickets to see Lorde when she performs at Manchester’s AO Arena on Saturday 15 November 2025 as part of the Ultrasound Tour.
Other major UK cities she’ll be stopping off at include London, Birmingham, and Glasgow – making this a somewhat exclusive ticket to get your hands on.
Tickets are set to go on general sale next week, following several pre-sales in the days leading up to it.
Support for Lorde’s Manchester gig is to come from equally-revered singer-songwriter and record producer, Dev Hynes – better known by his stage name, Blood Orange – who is believed to have lent several co-production credits to Lorde’s upcoming fourth studio album.
Fellow producer Jim-E Stack will also provide support in Manchester.
Lorde will be taking to the AO Arena stage here in Manchester on Saturday 15 November, and tickets officially go on general sale next Friday 16 May at 10am.
General sale follows two pre-sales – a Three+ Presale on Wednesday 14 May, followed by an AO Arena-specific Presale on Thursday 15 May, both going on sale again at 10am.
Find out more and get tickets when they go on sale here.