Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash FY24-02 – ‘Speeding in New 20mph Low Speed Zones

Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash FY24-02 – ‘Speeding in New 20mph Low Speed Zones’

Introduction:

Royal Mail Group’s Safety Team have issued ‘RMG SHE Safety Flash FY24-02’ which in effect aims to do two things:

Draws attention and raises awareness amongst Royal Mail Group drivers of the growing number of new 20mph low speed zones across the UK.
Warns RMG Fleet drivers that they must comply with speed limits at all times.

Background:

In recent years there has been a growing trend for local highway authorities to reduce the speed limit to 20mph, particularly around schools. 20mph low speed zones are becoming more common across the UK and in Wales for example, 20mph is now the default speed limit in previously identified 30mph zones.

The Welsh Government recently introduced a 20mph speed limit on ‘restricted’ roads Restricted roads are those with street lamps placed not more than 200 yards apart which are usually found in residential and built up areas. In London over half of roads now have a 20mph speed limit as of this month. There are also plans to introduce more 20mph speed limits in other parts of the UK including Birmingham, Cornwall, Wirral and Scotland. Many cities already have 20mph zones like Hull and Norwich.

The lower speeds result in fewer and less severe collisions and fewer casualties. A Transport for London (TFL) study reported that since the introduction of the lower speed limits, the following was found:

Serious injury decreased by 25%
Collisions involving vulnerable road users decreased by 36%
Collisions involving pedestrians decreased 63%

In the rest of the UK, the 20mph limit is reserved for areas which are high risk (e.g., near a school, or in a heavily pedestrianised area) or to encourage active travel.

Environmental Benefits with Emissions Reductions:

There is additionally both a casualty reduction benefit and an environmental benefit from lower speed limits. The science is clear and that is that travelling at lower speeds reduces the likelihood and severity of a collision. 20mph zones have been effective in reducing casualties plus toxic CO2 and NOx emissions are cut. 17 charities signed an open letter last September supporting the 20mph policy stating that the benefits went beyond road safety as it also supports broader health, climate, environmental and societal goals, helping the vulnerable to get about, improving social connection and reducing air and noise pollution etc.

Description of the Issue for Royal Mail Group:

Royal Mail investigations reveal poor compliance with 20mph speed limits by many of its drivers! A survey by the RAC found 86% of journeys in 20mph zones broke the speed limit, and Royal Mail Group’s own data is showing a similar worrying pattern. Whilst at this stage, only a small number of roads have a 20mph speed limit, 65% of speeding incidents are measured and remotely recorded by Royal Mail Fleet vehicles on the ‘Trimble Recording

Telemetry Units (RTUs)’ fitted in the fleet’s vehicles. Additionally, 24% of all road traffic collisions (RTCs) in Royal Mail delivery vehicles are recorded on 20mph roads.

Key Message:

The message from Royal Mail Group (Royal Mail, Parcelforce, RMSS etc.) to all drivers is this; Whilst other drivers may not respect 20mph limits, it is essential that Royal Mail Group drivers always drive within the legal speed limit.

Police Action – Speeding Prosecutions:

The minimum penalty for a driver caught speeding is £100 and three penalty points on their drivers’ license. Fines are part of the push to end death and serious injury on the roads. London motorists alone were fined £20 million last year for breaking 20mph speed limits.

Actions:

All Drivers – All drivers must comply with speed limits at all times – including in 20mph zones.
PiCs/Managers – Brief staff on this SHE Flash, display it and bring it to the attention of all drivers.
PiCs/Managers – Managers must use telemetry where available to identify and challenge excessive speeding (within RMG/CWU National Agreements).

CWU ASR/WSR Action:

ASRs/WSRs please ensure that this Safety Flash is communicated, displayed and brought to the attention of all drivers (Royal Mail, Parcelforce, RMSS etc.) and particularly delivery member drivers.
ASRs/WSRs to carry out spot check safety inspections including a check that the SHE Flash actions are deployed by PiCs/Managers.
ASRs to check compliance with this issue during Workplace Safety Inspections and ensure drivers are briefed, raising awareness at every opportunity especially with delivery member drivers.

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