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A little bit slower, a whole lot better

Just over 10 years ago, the speed limit on most of Bristol's roads was reduced to 20mph.

Residents told us that 20mph made:

  • the roads feel calmer
  • walking to school, work, or the shops feel safer
  • cycling feel less intimidating

The changes have prevented hundreds of crashes and saved lives. Many people have been saved from the heartache of a loved one being torn away unexpectedly. 

Safer speeds help us with our aim to make Bristol roads safe for everyone. You can play your part by respecting the speed limit and encouraging friends and family to do the same. 

A young girl in a wheelchair crossing a road, waving to a white van coming toward her

Why 20mph?

A smiling lady wearing a cycle helmet on a bike

If someone is hit by a car at 20mph, there's a good chance they'll walk away with only bumps and bruises.  At 30mph, it's much more likely they'll be killed or seriously injured. 

20mph limits are the safest maximum speeds on Bristol's roads. And the good news is that our journeys won't get longer. Congestion and junctions cause delays, not speed limits.  

Driving at 20mph instead of 23 or 24 won't lose you much time, but it could save someone's life.

Benefits of 20mph

20mph review

20 is plenty sign in a residential area, cars on the road, houses and people walking on the pavement

We want to build on the success of 20mph in Bristol and make sure everyone benefits from safer speeds where we live, learn, and work.

The 20mph review is assessing all 30mph roads in Bristol to identify other areas that might benefit from safer 20mph speed limits. 

Once we've completed the technical assessment, we'll be asking for your input and feedback about safer speeds in your area.

What's changing with 20mph