I still can’t quite get over the fact that a scheme designed to save the lives of children became the latest culture war battlefield.

not even counting the long-term savings to the NHS from people taking up cycling or walking instead of driving, or the savings for many Welsh drivers caused by the reduction in their insurance premiums

Not sure if it belongs here but I thought it showed how hard it is to even change small things.

So why all the outrage? Well, it turns out that much of it was manufactured. In January of this year I did a little digging through four of the main Facebook groups opposing the change to 20mph in Wales. I found that in each case one of the admins was a Tory councillor from Sunderland who has, and this is hilarious, campaigned to have 20mph limits in parts of his home town.

Conservative politican scum baggery ?

Ultimately, the 20mph change was an attempt to rebalance the communities in which we live, so they are no longer dominated by cars. The policy aims to make our neighbourhoods more livable (20mph is three decibels lower than 30mph). It has a positive impact on particulate pollution because cars have to brake less. And it clearly saves lives.

  • USSMojave@startrek.website
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    6 days ago

    but going much slower for no reason could get you pulled over

    I feel like this is something everyone says but how often does this actually happen? Not often I’d guess, unless the police officer is bored, or it’s at an hour where they’re out looking for drunk drivers anyway

    • FireRetardant@lemmy.world
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      6 days ago

      The issue isn’t driving slow, it is about why are you driving slow. Transporting something delicate? Poor weather conditions? Engine troubles and getting to a mechanic? Probably fine

      Drunk, texting, unfit to drive, unable to see clearly, medical condition? Different story.