Leeds West MP Rachel Reeves has today been named as Road Safety Parliamentarian of the Month for March 2019 by road safety charity Brake and Direct Line Group.
The award recognises Ms Reeves’ efforts to improve road safety in her constituency by demanding urgent action from Transport Secretary, the Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP, and local roads chiefs to cut the number of deaths and serious injuries on Leeds’ roads.
Ms Reeves wants to see speeds lowered on roads across Leeds with the introduction of more 20mph speed limits.
She carried out a survey of her constituents to investigate the problems and look at possible solutions, with the majority of the 511 respondents identifying ‘speeding in residential areas’ as a key issue.
National road safety charity, Brake, has long called for the widespread rollout of 20mph speed limits in urban areas.
Joshua Harris, director of campaigns for Brake, said:
“20mph limits where people work, live and play are widely accepted as the safest option – stopping distances at 20mph are half those at 30mph. We need the Government to take action and reduce the national default 30mph limit in urban areas to 20mph. Slower speeds save lives and help make our streets more liveable environments, encouraging more people to walk and cycle safely and confidently in their local area.”
Rachel Reeves MP said:
“The toll of deaths and serious injuries on our roads is far too high and needs urgent action. I would like to see more 20mph zones to help reduce the risks faced by all road users. Road safety is an issue of vital importance to my constituents, and I will continue to press local and central government to ensure that the roads in Leeds West are safer for all to use.”
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