Road safety organisation Brake has claimed that increasing the number of 20mph zones in urban and rural settings across the UK could have a considerable beneficial impact on safety.

The charity stated that 20mph should be the new norm in built-up areas, as the consequences of accidents at this speed are typically much less serious.

Brake deputy chief executive Julie Townsend commented: "20mph is a more appropriate limit for built-up areas because it gives drivers far more chance to react in an emergency and avoid hitting someone."

She added that at 30mph the average stopping distance is six car lengths, while at 20mph it is just three.

Brake also announced earlier this month that a zero-tolerance attitude to drink and drug-driving should be adopted by companies across the UK.

Ms Townsend argued that six out of ten businesses do not test their staff to ensure they are using their vehicles responsibly and therefore more effort should be put into clamping down on this serious offence.

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Posted by Sarah Godfrey