UK & World News
The latest UK & World news stories from the Press Association.
20mph zone crash casualties up 24%
12:05, Aug 11 2012
Road casualties in 20mph zones increased by almost a quarter in 2011, according to official figures.
The number of people killed or injured on roads in built up areas with a speed limit of 20mph totalled 2,262 in 2011, up by 24% from 2010.
Meanwhile casualties on 30mph roads were down by 1% from 2010, recorded at 125,494 in 2011, according to data from the Department of Transport.
Councils have been given powers to set 20mph zones in a bid to improve road safety.
Local transport minister Norman Baker said local authorities were best placed to make the decision on whether or not to impose 20mph limits in certain areas.
He said: "British Medical Journal research has shown a reduction in casualties and collision of around 40%, a reduction in children killed or seriously injured of 50% and reduction in casualties among cyclists by 17%.
"That is why we believe 20mph speed limits are useful in certain residential areas and support their introduction where it can be shown that they benefit road safety and quality of life."
He added: "It's vital that speed limits are suitable for local conditions and councils are best placed to determine what these limits are, based on local knowledge and the views of the community.
"Authorities up and down the country have been concluding that 20mph limits are indeed beneficial to their local areas."
Pair in court over officer's death 14:05, Feb 11 2013
Two homeless men have been charged with causing the death of a young police officer whose patrol car was hit by a stolen 4x4 in Londonderry. more
Pope hailed over decision to quit 14:05, Feb 11 2013
The three most senior figures in the Catholic Church in England and Wales have paid tribute to Pope Benedict XVI after the Pontiff announced he was leaving office on grounds of age and infirmity. more
Cable urges open business policy 13:05, Feb 11 2013
Britain must make sure its borders are "as open as possible" to genuine foreign business visitors and investment, Business Secretary Vince Cable has said. more
Tributes for killed photojournalist 13:05, Feb 11 2013
The family of award-winning British photojournalist Tim Hetherington, who was killed covering the Libyan civil war, have described him as a "wonderful humanitarian". more
BBC staff threaten one-day strike 13:05, Feb 11 2013
BBC journalists are to stage a one-day strike unless the corporation agrees to end compulsory redundancies, it has been warned. more
Pope Benedict to resign his post 12:05, Feb 11 2013
The pope is to resign his office after declaring he was too old to carry on as head of the Catholic Church. more
Foreign rioters facing deportation 11:05, Feb 11 2013
Just one in 13 foreigners who took part in the riots of 2011 have been deported, it has emerged. more
Briton death sentence appeal filed 10:05, Feb 11 2013
An Indonesian lawyer representing a convicted British grandmother has formally appealed against the death sentence she received for smuggling cocaine worth 2.5 million US dollars (£1.58 million) into the resort island of Bali in a suitcase. more
Legal action plan in horse meat row 09:05, Feb 11 2013
Legal action over the horse meat scandal is to be mounted in Europe, Environment Secretary Owen Paterson has said as he described the contamination of beef products as a case of fraud against the public. more
Snow triggers weather warnings 06:05, Feb 11 2013
Parts of the country are waking up to more than four inches of snow, prompting fears of ice and disruption during rush hour. more
The latest UK & World news stories from the Press Association.
