Traffic

It's getting fraught on the UK politics of car driving front. Folks opposed to London's extension of the Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) have been playing 'fast and loose' with statistical claims. Some maintain that, as air pollution, 'only' appears on the death certificate of one UK child, the risks posed by air pollution, are 'over-hyped'. This is obvious rubbish, as the effects of air pollution on human health and longevity are very well established. Recording something on a death certificate is a rarely-considered legal decision, rather than scientific data (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/sep/16/how-anti-ulez-campaigners-misused-air-pollution-finding-in-ella-adoo-kissi-debrah-death). There's also pretty good evidence that car drivers will be the biggest beneficiaries of clean air on the roads. They have the highest exposure to vehicular air pollution. To add to the mix, we now have political attacks on the Assembly's decision (starting 17th September) to bring in a 'blanket' 20 mph speed limit in all Welsh built up areas. This is being labelled, by opponents, as a costly 'attack' on the motorist and tourism. It certainly appears, at least initially, to be a generally unpopular move. (https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/sep/15/wales-is-bringing-in-a-20mph-speed-limit-why-and-what-will-happen). There's, however, also logic behind this proposal. The stopping distance, when driving at 20 mph is considerably shorter than at 30 mph. Pedestrians hit by a vehicle travelling at 30 mph, are also more likely to die. The move will save some lives. Maintaining a 20 mph speed limit also reduces harmful emissions. It may even encourage folk to feel more relaxed about walking or using bicycles for transport. Lowering the speed limit, may also divert some drivers on to roads outside built up areas, rather than using traditional 'rat runs'. There seems, however, a risk of this giving more 'red meat' to the, already 'enraged' pro-car lobby. Perhaps a more focused extension of existing 20 mph zones would have been an easier sell?