A 20mph speed limit is to be imposed on all Transport for London roads in central London, a move which will bring them into line with those controlled by councils in the area.
Roads covered by the limit, which will come into effect by early 2020 and will be enforced through the use of fixed and mobile speed cameras, include Millbank, Albert Embankment, Victoria Embankment and Borough High Street
TfL says its plans have been backed by those taking part in a public consultation conducted earlier this year.
Of the almost 2,000 responses to the consultation, half said the policy would have a positive impact on walking, 59 per cent thought it would boost cycling, and around 40% thought it would have a positive impact on public transport.
Citing public support for the plans, TfL says it will also bring “safer speeds” to high-risk areas in outer London including Commercial Street and Whitechapel Road.
Mayor 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.”
Penny Rees, Head of Network Sponsorship at TfL, added: “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.”
Today’s announcement has been welcomed by the London’s Assembly’s Transport Committee which recently urged TfL to review speed limits on its roads.
Committee Chair Florence Eshalomi 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.”
She added that Assembly Members “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.”
