FAQs

We are reviewing our approach to 20mph speed limits, which currently focuses on residential streets. We want to create safer roads for everyone, so that people want to use and enjoy them. Introducing 20mph speed limits in the right places is one way of improving road safety.  

No human being should be killed or seriously injured as the result of a road collision in South Yorkshire. Safe speeds are an important part of this approach. 

Evidence in Sheffield shows that introducing new 20mph speed limits, on streets with 30mph restrictions, has led to an average speed reduction of 1 to 2mph. 

Evidence from other parts of the UK where comprehensive 20mph speed limits have been introduced show average speed reductions of 2 to 4mph.  These areas are Bristol, Edinburgh, London and Wales.  

Research by the Imperial College in London showed no impact on air quality. Driving in a 20mph speed restricted area does not increase vehicle exhaust emissions. In fact, vehicles move more smoothly with less need to speed up or slow down than they do in 30mph speed restricted areas. 

Evidence shows that journey time increases as a result of 20mph speed limits are negligible and deemed to be 3 per cent in residential areas and 5 per cent in city centre areas. This adds less than half a minute to a two- mile trip and less than a minute to a five- mile trip. 

If you live, work, study or travel in Sheffield, we would like to hear your views on 20mph speed limits. Please complete the online survey on this project page by 11:59pm on Sunday 8 November 2026.    

The results from the survey will be analysed and used to inform our updated 20mph speed limit policy. The policy will then be presented to councillors for consideration and approval. We will provide further updates on this project page in due course.