Our island's wellbeing is at stake with the Department of Infrastructure's plan to introduce a universal 20mph limit across our roads. The proposed project, while may seem beneficial for pedestrian safety, has several ignored implications, chiefly amongst them are the increase in congestion and CO2 emissions.

Traffic speeds influence the choice between car travel and greener forms of transport like cycling and walking. Lower speeds can make these alternatives less appealing, leading to a dependency on car travel and, consequently, an increase in carbon emissions. According to the UK Department for Transport, stop-start driving caused by congestion can increase CO2 emissions by as much as 30% (source: UK Department for Transport). By setting a blanket speed limit of 20mph, we risk making our traffic flow less efficient and more environmentally damaging.

Moreover, a government report also stressed that road congestion could cost the UK economy as much as £300bn by 2030 (source: Department for Transport). Although this figure is for the UK, the principle remains: increased congestion equals increased costs to our economy. The proposed speed limit risks not only our environment but our island's prosperity too.

We urge for an in-depth analysis and reevaluation of this blanket 20mph speed limit plan. Let's find a balance between safety, efficiency, and ecology. Please sign this petition to halt the Department of Infrastructure's all-island 20mph project.