20’s Plenty for Us in Worthing

Worthing has the highest pedestrian and cyclist casualties of any town in West Sussex, according to the County Council. 20mph limits bring better safety. 

In the last 5 years of data 111 people have been killed or seriously injured walking or cycling in Worthing. This is almost twice that in Crawley (62) and more than double that for Littlehampton (47). 

20 mph limits without speed humps is a life saving and better quality of life policy. Politicians in Worthing and West Sussex have voted for it. Main through routes can be excluded, with each road considered on its own merits.  Key is that 20 mph reduces risk to walkers and cyclists by 95% and makes streets feel safer.  Since 2006 walkers and cyclists have accounted for 83% of deaths and 60% of serious road injuries in Worthing. 

Many letters of support for slower speeds in Worthing have come in including Pieter Montyn, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at West Sussex County Council and Keith Taylor, Green Party MEP for the South-East of England.  Worthing SCOPE’s Chief Executive Officer Pauline Fox said

“Traffic moving at a slower pace will always be a safer option for pedestrians, especially those with mobility difficulties”.

Slower speeds protect the vulnerable like walkers, cyclists, disabled, children and elderly. Fortunately, as city driving is “stop-go”, journey time changes are minimal (40 seconds). 20 mph is not anti-motorist as drivers also benefit from better safety.

Developer funding would turn this democratically agreed policy into reality, with Worthing trail blazing it in West Sussex.  Over 6 million people across Britain live in places like Portsmouth, Oxford, Bristol, York and Islington who have already implemented, or are committed to, Total 20 limits. 20 mph limits are conclusively cost effective.  20 mph reduces suffering and saves money in casualties avoided, with first year rates of return at 800%. Subsequent years are free. Light touch enforcement only is required. Portsmouth had 22% fewer casualties after 2 years of turning 94% of roads 20 mph. It cost £333 per street in Portsmouth.

On Sunday 28th August, 11am-1pm the 20’s Plenty stall and petition will be at “Big Bike Sunday” – when the sea-front road (between Wallace Avenue and Grand Avenue) will be closed to all traffic except bicycles!  See bike displays and ride a recumbent and tricycle. Also competitions. 20’s Plenty for Worthing ask residents to sign the online petition at www.20splentyforworthing.org.uk

20’s Plenty for Us welcomes comment and feedback. Please contact us if you have or need any further information. www.20splentyforus.org.uk

Local 20’s Plenty for Worthing Contact is Duncan Kay, 20splentyforworthing@googlemail.com  www.20splentyforworthing.org.uk

Anna Semlyen

20’s Plenty for Us Campaign Manager
T: 07572 120439  e: Anna.s@20splentyforus.org.uk

www.20splentyforus.org.uk, www.20splentyforus.blogspot.com

Join our campaigner Yahoo group groupregister@20splentyforus.org.uk

Join our facebook group http://tinyurl.com/20splentyonfacebook