Drivers have called on the Government to ban local authorities from using of 20mph speed limits on major roads as the disruptions cause havoc for travellers.
A petition to prevent 20mph zones outside of residential areas has gained traction with thousands of drivers rallying behind to support the initiative.
The ban looks to stop 20mph zones being put in place on A roads, main roads, dual carriageways and stretches of motorways.
However, the petition acknowledges that 20mph speed limit should be allowed on back roads, outside schools and hospitals where moderated speeds have a positive impact.
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20mph speed limit should be allowed on back roads, outside schools and hospitals
PALaunched by Raymond Evans, the petition detailed: “While I agree with the 20mph speed limit on back roads, outside schools and hospitals, because it can reduce the number of serious accidents and fatalities, imposing it on major roads can make it very slow, difficult, and frustrating to move from A to B.
“Drivers can become very angry and aggressive when a car in front of them is moving at 20mph.
“It can delay journeys from the school run to getting to and from work, and all the businesses and services that are reliant on the road network.”
The Government recently announced as part of its Plan for Drivers strategy that it will be looking at the impact 20mph limits have on travellers.
The Department for Transport explained: “Motorists are set to benefit from smoother journeys and reduced congestion, with local people getting a stronger voice on road schemes that affect them, thanks to a crackdown on anti-driver road schemes, over-zealous traffic enforcement, and strengthened guidance for councils on 20mph limits.
“Local authorities are expected to follow the guidance and ensure local people support their plans.
“Recent examples where councils have implemented these schemes without public support have been shown to cause disruption and have unintended negative consequences.
“If local authorities fail to deliver sensible road schemes that work for local people they could see future funding withdrawn, and under powers from the Traffic Management Act, the Government could ultimately take control of an authority’s roads where they are deemed to be widely mismanaged.”
The petition has already received over 1,500 signatures, but with the concession that 20mph limits don’t disappear entirely.
Taking to social media, one person said on Facebook: “The 20mph speed limit should be allowed on back roads, outside schools and hospitals.”
Another person stated: “Signed on the basis should not apply to main roads regardless of the make, schools houses etc. Main roads need to have sensible limits. Educate people with the green cross code and not to use their phones and be oblivious to the dangers around them.”
If the petition gets 10,000 signatures it will prompt a response from the Government, if however, it gets 100,000 the matter will be debated in the House of Commons.
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Drivers have until June 8 to sign the petition before it closes to the public
PADrivers have until June 8 to sign the petition before it closes to the public.