Following local support for increased safety on the streets, the speed limit across much of Manchester has been increased, much to the delight of Zen Law Solicitors – a local law firm specialising in personal injury.

In a bid to encourage more cyclists and pedestrians to take to the streets of Manchester and to improve safety, a third of streets have now become 20mph zones. Last week, 111 miles covering more than 1,100 streets were restricted to the new 20mph limit following resident and local council support for lower speed limits.

Applying to non-major roads, the zone covers a total of three areas in the North, East and South of the city. Although a percentage of the roads previously were designated as 20 mph areas, no actual law was instated to legally enforce them. However, following this first phase by Manchester City Council, drivers are now prosecutable.

A spokesperson on behalf of the council said: “This is the first phase. Our stated aim is to create 20mph areas on all residential streets across the city and we hope to announce a second phase of this shortly – subject, of course, to funding.

“People are more likely to walk and cycle where they feel the roads are safer, and these are healthy, free and fun ways of getting around. They’re also better for the environment. People walking or cycling are more likely to talk to each other – even if it’s just a “Hello” – and that makes happier, friendlier streets.”

This first stage of the scheme is being funded from the city’s health budget at a cost of £350,000 and alterations are to begin taking place soon.

Manchester-based accident and injury law specialists Zenlaw react to relevant industry news on a regular basis. A spokesperson for the law firm believes that the revision of speed limits, especially on residential streets is a welcomed move, outlining their support of further developments to lower the dangers for cyclists, drivers and pedestrians:

“It’s great that steps are being taken to reduce the dangers on Manchester’s streets. The move by the Council to enforce the 20mph speed limits and to increase the number of streets it covers is a tremendous step forward.

“It has obviously been a concern for local residents and council members and we fully support a move to limit speeds away from major road networks, especially where elderly and young residents reside.

“As a law firm we provide legal expertise to people who’ve been injured in a variety of road traffic accidents, and we’re well aware of how effective speed limits can be in reducing accidents and injury severity and we support this move wholeheartedly.”

Zen Law is a personal injury solicitors with expertise in several areas, including road traffic accidents. If you’ve been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, visit www.zenlaw.co.uk today to find out more.