The introduction of a 20mph speed limit on London’s roads has led to a significant reduction in accidents, deaths and injuries.
Transport for London (Tfl) imposed the new speed limit on all roads within the Congestion Charging Zone in March 2020, as part of its Vision Zero commitment. Figures show that the number of collisions has reduced by 25% (from 406 to 304), and collisions resulting in death or serious injury have fallen by 25% (from 94 to 71). Accidents involving vulnerable road users have decreased by 36% (from 453 to 290), and those involving people walking have dropped by 63% (from 124 to 46).
This data was recorded at sites monitored on the TfL Road Network (TLRN), where the speed limit has been lowered to 20mph.
“Sadly, more than 4,000 people are killed and seriously injured on London's roads every year,” said Will Norman, London's walking and cycling commissioner. “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.”
Brake, the road safety charity, welcomed the reduction in collisions.
TfL is now working to lower speeds on 136 miles of its roads by 2024 in inner and outer London. There is currently 68 miles where the 20mph limit applies on TfL’s network. This month it also plans to introduce a 20mph speed limit on 17 miles of roads in Camden, Islington, Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Haringey, after similar speed limit changes were made on inner roads of the capital last year.
