Ms Joan Swift:

Mr. Waide spoke about the free speed surveys and so on. It is important to say that we can change cultural norms and have done so in the past few years, with the various measures that we took to address the pandemic. We became accustomed to them. We thought at one time that only people in Asia wore masks, then suddenly we were all wearing them. There is a recent example of changing norms being possible. Another matter directly related to road safety is drink driving. In 2015, a survey showed that 61% of people agreed that a no alcohol limit was correct if people wanted to drink and drive. In 2017, that had changed to 71%. That example relates directly to road safety. We have not put enough effort into the speed issue. There has not been enough awareness of the difference that it makes.

Mr. Waide's contribution is exceedingly welcome, and I am pleased with it. He said that it is not a question of prioritising motorists but of prioritising pedestrians and cyclists. It is as if they are different bodies, in conflict with each other. As soon as people get out of their car or step off their scooter or bike, they are pedestrians. This absolutely should be introduced for safety reasons. The people who live in various towns and villages with a 30 km/h limit instead of vehicles flying by at 75 km/h will be able to hear their children when walking to school. Older people will be able to walk to the shop with their friends. People can mix and mingle. It will make a significant difference. It ticks all the Government's boxes. We are talking about road safety here, but it also helps with policies such as Town Centre First, Our Rural Future, health policies such as the National Physical Activity Plan, and most certainly climate and emissions policies. Mr. Waide and his colleague have really illustrated the difference that the lower speed limit would make. If it is in place, and people feel safe enough, they can make that choice about travel. We should remember that the 2019 national travel survey showed that 29% of our journeys are less than 2 km. The option is there. It is possible to change the culture. It would be a superb legacy for this committee, as Ms O'Dea said. I know the high-level committee exists. Mr. Waide and the RSA will do their utmost. To get the backing of members of the committee would be wonderful.