British eco-towns to put 15 mph speed limit on streets at the core

From "15mph speed limit to force people out of cars," in the Telegraph:

Speed limits of just 15 miles-per-hour are to be introduced on major roads in planned new towns across the country as part of an effort to reduce global warming...

Nigel Humphries, of the Association of British Drivers (ABD), said the move was the latest in a long line of attacks on drivers by the Government and questioned whether the move would make people abandon cars.

"It is ridiculous. It is another step towards the return of the man with the red flag walking in front of the car. The Government has got to think of a different way. It just shows how flawed the idea of eco-towns is if they have to bully people into getting out of their cars in this way."

Under the plans, the central areas of the new towns would be pedestrianised, with the 15mph limit introduced on "key roads" into the centre. All homes would be built within 400 yards of public transport stop and 800 yards from shops.

This, the Government argues, will mean just 25 to 40 per cent of journeys will require a car, compared with the current national average of 85 per cent.

It's all about self-selection. Nigel Humphries doesn't have to live there. But right now, all places are pretty much designed in favor of the car, rather than people, and are designed in a way that requires, not just promotes, driving in order to take care of most everyday activities, getting to work, school, shopping, etc.