Transport operator for the UK capital, Transport for London (TfL), has launched a community consultation across the boroughs of Camden, Islington, Hackney, Haringey and Tower Hamlets concerning its plans to introduce 17 miles (28km) of road where a 20mph (32km/h) speed limit is enforced.
The company suggests its proposal to lower speed limits aligns with the London mayor’s Vision Zero goal to eliminate death and serious injury from London’s transport network and to broadly make the network safer for all road users.
TfL’s suggested changes are to implement a consistent 20mph speed limit on nearly all of the roads in Camden, Islington, Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Haringey – on both the Transport for London Road Network (TLRN) and the borough network.
More specifically, the operator hopes to introduce a 20mph limit on sections of the A503, A501, A41, A1, A10, A11 and A1203, with works potentially beginning in February 2023, subject to the results of the consultation.
The new speed limits would be supported by new signs and road markings, TfL has said – it has also pointed to plans to attach banners to streetlamps in the new 20mph areas.
Following initial implementation, the transport operator would then monitor the scheme to measure its impact.
TfL likewise claims to be working with the Metropolitan Police to improve shared capacity to increase enforcement against motorists who speed.
Penny Rees, head of healthy streets investment at TfL, said: “We are determined to eliminate deaths and serious injuries from London’s roads in line with our Vision Zero goal.
“Ensuring the safety of Londoners and visitors is paramount, which is why we are proposing to introduce 28km of new 20mph speed limit within the boroughs of Camden, Islington, Hackney, Haringey and Tower Hamlets.
“The introduction of 20mph speed limits would not only save lives but also encourage Londoners to travel in more active and sustainable ways.
“Making London’s streets safer for people walking and cycling is our top priority and 20mph speed limits significantly reduce road danger.
“We really value people’s feedback on our proposals and I’d encourage everybody to use this opportunity to have their say on our plans.”
In March 2020, TfL brought in a 20mph speed limit on all roads under its jurisdiction within the central London Congestion Charging zone as part of the Vision Zero commitment. It claims that a total of 49 miles (80km) of its roads now operate with a 20mph limit.
