The vast majority of the British public are in support of implementing 20 mph speed restrictions in residential areas.

Statistics revealed by the road safety charity Brake showed some 78 per cent of respondents felt it should become the norm around schools and town centres. A further 79 per cent stated making highways safer would encourage more people to walk or cycle instead of using the car.

The news comes as the organisation moves to put its case to Parliament. Its GO 20 initiative urges ministers to make 20 mph the default speed limit for urban areas. 

Julie Townsend, deputy chief executive of Brake, commented: "The campaign is about defending everyone's right to walk and cycle freely without being endangered, whether it's to get to work, school, the shops, or just getting out and being active."

Meanwhile, the survey claimed areas which have already adopted the lower speed limit have experienced a drop in the number casualties. Portsmouth and Camden were named as major beneficiaries, seeing a reduction in crashes of 22 per cent and 54 per cent respectively.