‘Total nonsense’ to introduce 10mph speed limit on residential roads

Labour MP Rachael Maskell has suggested that councils introduce a 10mph speed limit on residential roads, an idea rejected by a staggering 92 percent of Express.co.uk readers, a new poll has shown.

The York Central MP asked Transport Secretary Mark Harper to reduce the speed limit near homes.

In a question to the Department for Transport, she asked: “[I want to] ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy to require local councils to introduce maximum speed limits of 10mph in residential areas?”

A Conservative Party spokesman said the reduction would be “bonkers”, explaining: “This question shows just how out of touch Labour is. Ten miles per hour speed limits would be bonkers, pushing up congestion and making it impossible to drive.”

A Labour spokesman rejected Ms Maskell’s suggestion, explaining: “This is not being considered by Labour.”

READ MORE: Sweeping driving law changes forcing motorists to slash speed limits

In response, Express.co.uk ran a poll from 3.30pm on Tuesday, May 16, to 3pm on Thursday, May 18, asking readers: “Should a 10mph speed limit be introduced in residential areas?”

Overall, 1,621 readers responded with the overwhelming majority, 92 percent (1,490 people) answering “no” against the slower speed limit. Whereas eight percent (124 people) said “yes” in support of the idea and just seven people said they did not know.

Dozens of comments were left below the accompanying article as readers shared their thoughts on reducing the speed limit.

Readers predominantly opposed the idea, with username commonsensenotwoke commenting: “Seriously though, you cannot drive consistently at such a low speed with sufficient accuracy – it is too slow for many cars with analogue displays to measure. Also, consider the implications of vastly increased pollution.”

Username Nous agreed, writing: “Would greatly increase pollution with idling engines, lead some drivers to inattention and carelessness.”

Another, username smokehill criticised the idea as “total nonsense” While username MRP1958 warned that soon “it’ll be quicker to walk”.

Other readers were more accepting of a slower speed limit, with username Nameless Reader writing: “Surely the sensible response to this suggestion is that it would be suitable in some areas and not in others? Perhaps near primary schools, it would be a good idea.”

While username Tashman66 said: “If (and only if) it is used sensibly and only applied to small residential roads with low traffic flow, it is worth considering.”