Sponsored by
Cutting traffic speed would prompt more to walk and cycle
Linden Road Hebden Bridge
Several people have commented on my letter of August 17 ("Low-speed zones save lives") via the website, so I'd like a chance to respond.
One correpondent says that introducing a 20mph zone just moves the accidents a few streets away. This is a common misconception, but in fact the Department for Transport's research shows it not to be true – there is "very little" transfer of accidents to other roads. See www.dft.gov.uk. for more details.
Someone else accuses us Greens of inconsistency because we want slower speeds and lower carbon emissions. This is quite true – we do!
We believe that because 20mph zones encourage people to walk and cycle, the net result will be fewer emissions.
Hebden Bridge is certainly more bike and pedestrian-friendly since we've had our lovely low-speed zone.
And no, the traffic queues have not got worse!
Kate Sweeny
Green Party Parliamentary Candidate, Calder Valley
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Halifax
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: -0 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Light snow
Temperature: -2 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South
