TfL has unveiled plans to introduce 65km of new 20mph speed limits later this year, a move it says will “make a real difference in cutting road danger”.
The new speed limits would impact roads in a number of boroughs, including Greenwich, Kensington and Chelsea, Lewisham, Southwark, Wandsworth, Merton, Bromley and Lambeth.
TfL says their introduction, which could come as soon as September, would help to make a large area of south London safer and more attractive for people in these communities to live, work and play.
It hopes they will encourage people out of their cars and to walk, cycle and use public transport more often.
Will Norman, London’s walking and cycling commissioner, said: “The facts are clear, a person hit by a vehicle at 20mph is five times less likely to be killed than at 30mph.
“We are determined to build a safer, greener London for everyone and the continued expansion of the 20mph programme on TfL roads is playing a vital role in making the capital’s roads safer for people to walk, cycle and use public transport.
“This forms an important part of the mayor’s Vision Zero plan and we will continue to work with colleagues in boroughs to keep improving the safety of London’s roads.”
The new speed limits would be supported by new signs and road markings, and TfL says it would work closely with the Metropolitan Police to ensure that drivers understand and comply with them.
Existing speed cameras would have their enforcement threshold changed to reflect the new speed limit, while banners attached to streetlamps in the new 20mph areas would also be put in place to increase driver awareness.
Following implementation, TfL plans to carry out monitoring to determine whether further measures to reduce vehicle speeds are required.
Penny Rees, TfL head of healthy streets investment, said: “We are determined to eliminate deaths and serious injuries from London’s roads in line with our Vision Zero goal.
“That’s why we’ve committed to reducing speed limits on our road network in the Capital – and these proposals will make a real difference in cutting road danger and enabling more people to walk and cycle.”
The plans have been put out for public consultation.
A 20mph limit would be introduced on sections of the following roads:
- A205: Woolwich Common, South Circular Road, Catford Road, Stanstead Road, London Road, Thurlow Road, Christchurch Road, Poynders Road, Dulwich Common
- A20: Eltham Road, Lee High Road, Lewisham Way
- A202: Queens Road, Peckham High Street, Camberwell Church Street, Camberwell New Road
- A2: New Cross Road, Old Kent Road
- A201: New Kent Road
- A100: Tower Bridge Road
- A200: Jamaica Road
- A3: Clapham Road, Kennington Park Road
- A3204: Kennington Lane
- A203: Stockwell Road
- A23: Camberwell New Road, Streatham Hill, Streatham High Road
- A214: Tooting Bec Road
- A24: Clapham Common South Side, Balham High Road, Upper Tooting Road, High Street Colliers Wood
- A4: Cromwell Road, Brompton Road
- A3220: Pembroke Road, Holland Road, Warwick Road, Redcliffe Gardens
- A232: West Wickham High Street
News item posted on: London Road Safety Council
