Transport for London (TfL) has released data showing a 25% reduction in the number of collisions since the implementation of 20mph (32.1km/h) speed limits on key roads across London in March 2020.
Lowering speed limits forms a major part of the mayor’s Vision Zero goal to eliminate death and serious injury from London’s transport network and to increase active travel options.
Since the 20mph scheme was introduced, TfL reports that the total number of collisions has reduced by 25% (from 406 to 304), with collisions resulting in death or serious injury also reducing by 25% (from 94 to 71).
What’s more, since the initiative was brought in, collisions involving vulnerable road users have reportedly decreased by 36% (from 453 to 290), while collisions involving people walking have decreased by 63% (from 124 to 46).
Will Norman, London’s walking and cycling commissioner, said: “I’m delighted to see that the introduction of 20mph speed limits is having such a positive impact on the number of collisions on London’s roads; this forms an important part of the mayor’s Vision Zero plan.
“I look forward to the continued expansion of this programme on TfL roads and to working with colleagues in boroughs to make even more streets safer for Londoners.
“Sadly more than 4,000 people are killed and seriously injured on London’s roads every year.
“Lowering speeds is one of the most important things we can do to reduce road danger and make it easier and safer for people to walk, cycle and use public transport, creating a safer, greener London for everyone.”
Currently, more than half of London’s roads have a 20mph speed limit; 110km (68.3 miles) of this is on TfL’s network.
TfL is working towards lowering speeds on 220km (136.7 miles) of its roads by 2024 in inner and outer London.
It also plans to introduce a new 20mph speed limit on more than 28km (17.3 miles) of road in Camden, Islington, Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Haringey in March this year.
Penny Rees, head of healthy streets investment, at TfL said: “It’s brilliant to see the huge impact the introduction of 20mph speed limits has had on road safety around London.
“We are determined to eliminate deaths and serious injuries from London’s roads in line with our Vision Zero goal, and this data proves that lowering speeds is crucial to achieving this goal.
“[The] 20mph speed limits not only save lives, but also encourage Londoners to travel in more active and sustainable ways.
“We look forward to seeing the expansion of the programme benefit more areas of London.”
Global collision data shows that, in 2020, speed was a contributing factor in 48% of fatal road collisions.
