This document presents the results of a review of speed management, commissioned by the UK Government. The review was launched on 23 October 1998, and had three stages. The first stage identified the main policy issues through consultation within the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) and other government departments, exploring existing research on the effects of traffic speeds, and analysing current practice and legislation in the UK and other nations. The second stage was for wider consultation on the impact of speed and the effectiveness of current policies; there were over 100 responses to the consultation document issued. The third stage analysed the results of the consultation and of a literature review, and prepared recommendations and conclusions. The findings covered: (1) the effects of speed, the environment, quality of life, health, and the economy; (2) driver attitudes and behaviour; and (3) current measures for limiting speeds, including enforcement and penalties, speed limits, speed limiters, traffic calming, and home zones. The analysis covered: the effects of vehicle speeds, urban and rural speed management, motorways and other dual carriageways, and achieving appropriate vehicle speeds. The recommendations contain a detailed action plan, proposing many policies.
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