TRL has published an article examining the effect of the Isle of Man’s decision to lower speed limits amidst the COVID-19 outbreak.
In March 2020, the small island announced it was implementing an all-island speed limit of 40mph to ensure that its one hospital does not become overwhelmed during the coronavirus pandemic. Lower limits of 20mph and 30mph remain in force.
In its article, TRL reports that there are initial signs that (combined with lower traffic volumes), the new speed limit may be having the desired effect.
The article also discusses the wider issues relating to speeding at this time, highlighting media reports of drivers taking unnecessary risks as well as reports that some motorists have received letters from police forces saying it is “not in the public interest” to pursue prosecutions for “lower-level driving offences”.
It also discusses research into the effects of small speed increases, and how compliance with speed limits is influenced by attitudes and perceptions of social norms, and also by the perceptions of enforcement.
