Should the speed limit on residential roads be reduced to 20mph?

We've seen some major cities across the UK enforce 20mph zones to improve safety. Here in Essex, Southend Council has trialled just this in Leigh successfully and has hinted that it could be rolled out further.

But are 20mph speed limit zones in residential areas a good thing? We've been asking our readers what they think and whether all residential roads should have a 20mph speed limit.

The majority of our readers said that regardless of what they thought it would be "impossible" to enforce. One reader said: "I think 20 mph will be near impossible to enforce. There will always be idiots behind a wheel we see them every day."

READ MORE: Warning to “disgusting” Blue Badge parking fraudsters as council cracks down

READ MORE: The bustling Essex train station that skyrocketed to popularity just three years ago

While another said : "It's no good having laws if you can't enforce them." Some said that residential areas was too broad and specified where they would like to see 20mph zones.

Let us know what you think on 20mph speed limits in residential areas. If the experience below doesn't link please press here to have your say.

One reader said: "On residential estate roads yes. It makes sense; there are children and elderly residents about so cautious driving is of value in these areas." There were also calls for 20mph zones to be extended outside schools and nurseries.

However some have raised concerns over the potential impact on the environment. Driving in lower gears for longer can mean more pollution.

If a 20mph speed limit was enforced on residential roads, it may cause issues for a council when it comes to managing carbon footprint. One reader said: "Cars will be in a lower gear but using the same RPM (revolutions per minute). That means more pollution."

Other readers said the problem wasn't speed limits but how people conduct themselves. One reader said: "It isn't the speed limits needing to be reduced that's the problem, it is those who speed without a care for others.

"They are reckless and dangerous and will continue to drive this way regardless of the speed limits in place."

Another said: "30 miles an hour is slow enough if people teach their children and themselves how to use the public highway. The motorist should not be penalised for people with no common sense and complete lack of ability."

To stay up-to-date with the latest traffic and travel news in Essex, why not subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here.