Transport for London (TfL) has announced the introduction of a 20mph speed limit on 8.9km of road in central London, with work to begin later this year.
The move is a key part of Mayor Sadiq Khan’s Vision Zero ambition to eliminate death and serious injury from London's transport network. The announcement follows the publication of a consultation report “showing public support for lower speeds in central London”.
Congestion Charge Zone
Sadiq Khan, said: “Every single death on London’s streets is one too many so I’m really pleased that Londoners have backed our plans to introduce a 20mph speed limit on TfL roads within the Congestion Charge Zone and at Aldgate Gyratory. By also bringing forward plans to lower speed limits in other parts London, we will help protect more people walking and cycling across our city.”
Active and sustainable
Penny Rees, Head of Network Sponsorship at TfL, said: “We know that lower speeds save lives, it’s that simple. As more and more people choose to walk and cycle around London we must reduce the risk of them being killed or seriously injured. It’s clear people agree that making our roads safer will encourage Londoners to travel in more active and sustainable ways.”
Pedestrians and cyclists
In response, Chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee, Florence Eshalomi AM (Assembly Member), said: “With the recent rise in road deaths, this is a good start from the Mayor and TfL but much more needs to be done to protect pedestrians and cyclists. Our roads will be made safer by reducing speed limits.
“TfL took on board the Transport Committee’s advice in the ‘Hostile Streets’ report to review all the speed limits on its roads. However, we suggest the Mayor considers going further to areas outside of the Congestion Charge Zone where walking and cycling should be safer.
“Every life lost on the road is tragedy. Particularly when the cause is a driver not obeying the speed limit.”
New signage
The lower speed limit will be supported by new 20mph signage and road markings, as well as raised pedestrian crossings in seven locations where a high number of people walk, including near Embankment and Tower Hill Tube stations and outside the Tate Britain.
TfL will recalibrate all speed cameras in central London and use mobile speed cameras “to ensure that drivers are complying with the new safer speed limit”.
The new speed restriction will affect Victoria and Albert Embankments, Millbank, Tower Hill, Blackfriars Road and more.
Average speed of 7.4mph
According to figures published by TfL, in Q1 2017/18 average traffic speeds for the 12 hours between 7am and 7pm across central London were 7.4 mph; a 0.2mph (3.2%) decrease year-on-year.
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Andrew Baxter
Former deputy editor (maternity cover)
Andrew Baxter is an experienced journalist and content creator, starting out as a staff writer 17 years ago. He has held a number of positions on both B2B and consumer titles, including AM magazine.
Dusz - 09/09/2019 20:48
Pedestrians and cyclists also need to play their part. Pedestrians often step off the pavement into the road without looking or when they are preoccupied with their phone. Cyclists likewise ride with their senses distracted by listening to music or ride through red lights or ride without due care and attention. How long will it be before they introduce a man walking in front with a red flag?