Surrey to introduce 20mph speed limits on rural roads

Surrey County Council has announced plans to reduce the speed limit on some rural roads from 60mph to as low as 20mph, in what is thought to be a UK first pilot. First reported by the Highways Magazine and covered by LocalGov.co.uk, the council says the pilot is an “important opportunity” to improve road safety.

The pilot area covers 80 square miles in the south of the county, from Guildford to Dorking. It will see some roads reduced to 30mph limits and others 20mph – depending which is “most appropriate”.

Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council cabinet member for transport, infrastructure and economy said: “This project is an important opportunity for us to improve the safety of our rural roads in the south and southwest of Surrey and ensure that the most appropriate speed limit is applied to each.

“Most rural roads in the area are still subject to the national speed limit of 60mph, which is inappropriate for these types of roads.

“Evidence suggests that implementing lower speed limits should reduce the number and severity of road collisions, whilst also helping to support our active travel programme, improve air quality, and address concerns over excessive vehicle noise.”