In a letter published in the Guardain newspaper, Urban Design Group director Robert Huxford insists that councillors run the risk of being held responsible for road deaths if they revoke traffic measures.

“Re: Sadiq Khan’s article (Dear Britain, it’s now clear: 20mph zones save lives and don’t slow traffic. Implement them, 12 August), many people are unaware of the outstanding success of 20mph limits and low-traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) in saving lives and preventing injuries and crashes, because the research and statistics are only being reported consistently by the BBC and the Guardian. People who rely on some of the other media outlets will have seen these policies characterised as unpopular, ‘hated’ or a ‘war on drivers’. The failure to report impartially is a distortion of the truth that is misleading the public and politicians, and leading to pressure to revoke these life-saving measures.

“Highway authorities have a statutory duty to promote road safety, a duty to have ‘due regard’ to the needs of elderly and disabled people, and a common law duty of care to all road users not to be negligent. On top of this, councils have duties relating to public health, and policies relating to active lifestyles and the prevention of obesity, all of which are supported by creating safer streets.

“Councillors are obliged to ensure their decisions are reasonable and based on relevant considerations. While councillors and officers are protected by statutory immunity, this protection does not extend to deliberate or reckless wrongdoing. The science and evidence are totally clear: revocation of 20mph limits or LTNs will lead to crashes, injuries and deaths. Councillors and their advisers who pursue such actions risk being held personally liable for the harm that ensues.”

(Pic: TfL)