A motion agreed unanimously by Assembly Members calls on the Mayor to instruct TfL “to implement a full review investigating the practicalities, advantages and disadvantages of a 20 mph limit on Blackfriars Bridge.”
AMs want the review to include “previous TfL reports, such as that on 20 mph speed limit on London’s Thames bridges and also the effect of such a change on all road users (including pedestrians) north, south or on the bridge itself.”
Last month the Assembly’s Conservative group provoked criticism after blocking discussion of a motion calling for the retention of the 20mph speed limit by walking out of a meeting.
The new motion was proposed by Green Party AM Jenny Jones and seconded LibDem Caroline Pidgeon, Members backed the motion after it was amended by Conservative AM Andrew Boff.
Jones said “a permanent 20 mph speed limit on Blackfriars Bridge could help reduce casualties and save lives as well as the expense of cashes
“I’m pleased to have the unanimous backing of the Assembly in our call for the Mayor to have a fresh think about Blackfriars Bridge on the basis of a full scale review of all the facts.”
Ms Pidgeon added: “A third of the peak time traffic across Blackfriars Bridge are cyclists and we already know that they are at significantly more risk when travelling across bridges than they are on similar city roads.
“That’s why we want Transport for London (TfL) to take a robust look at the safety of all users on Blackfriars Bridge and for the Mayor to use the facts to put safety first.”
Mr Boff said: “I am staggered that so many cyclists use Blackfriars Bridge, if it was on my commuting route I wouldn’t because it is too dangerous. I hope a full review of the new layout and speed limits on the bridge and the publication of all the relevant data will result in a sensible solution that will address the needs and safety of all users.”
The full text of the motion reads:
“This Assembly notes the decision to revert to a 30 mph speed limit on Blackfriars Bridge. We also note the recent decision of the Corporation of London to consider plans for the whole of the City of London to become a 20 mph zone, and understand that if they take this decision they would be likely to ask Transport for London to agree to make TfL roads 20 mph.
This Assembly asks that the Mayor instructs TfL to implement a full review investigating the practicalities, advantages and disadvantages of a 20 mph limit on Blackfriars Bridge.
The review should include previous TfL reports, such as that on 20 mph speed limit on London’s Thames bridges and also the effect of such a change on all road users (including pedestrians) north, south or on the bridge itself.
Meanwhile, TfL should keep under review the decision to revert to a 30 mph speed limit on Blackfriars Bridge. We also urge the Mayor to revisit the plans for the bridge with particular attention to cyclists making right turns when exiting the bridge at either end.”
