The UK’s bill for traffic calming measures increased by more than 50% in one year, according to a new study.
The findings, put together by Churchill Car Insurance, revealed the UK spent £75.6m on traffic calming measures in 2014, which was an estimated increase of £26.1m (53%) on the 2013 spend.
At the local authority level, the average spend increased from £213,895 to £327,058 between 2013 and 2014. The amount spent per council does, however, vary significantly.
The study also revealed that there are now an estimated 5,900 zones with 20mph limits in the UK today.
Churchill welcomes this latter fact because, they say, there is only a 1.5% chance of being fatally injured at 20mph, compared to an 8% chance at 30 mph.
The study also found only 42% of British people believe traffic calming measures are effective in slowing vehicles down, while 47% think these measures cause damage to vehicles.
23% of motorists claim to have had experience of this.
Steve Barrett, head of Car Insurance at Churchill Insurance, said: ‘We urge motorists to drive with caution and follow the rules of the road, which includes abiding by traffic calming measures.
‘While some may see them as a hindrance, they are an integral part of protecting both motorists and pedestrians and in keeping accident rates to a minimum.’
