Councils Given Permission to Set Speed Limits

The Department for Transport is considering reducing speed limits from 60 to 40 mph on certain roads due to an increase in road deaths, particularly in rural areas. The potential benefits of lower speed limits include increased safety and reduced accidents. Local communities support these changes, especially in villages where current speed calming measures are ineffective. The success of 20 mph zones in urban areas is prompting plans to extend similar measures to rural roads.

What is the proposed speed limit reduction mentioned in the text?

What are the statistics mentioned regarding deaths on Britain's roads last year?

What measures are being promised to local authorities to help reduce speeds?

How do local residents feel about the current speed limits in their village?

What is the significance of the 20 mile per hour zones mentioned in the text?