Speed is a factor in at least 37% of collisions where a person is killed or is seriously injured on London’s streets. This is why TfL is lowering speed limits across London.

Collision data from around the world is very clear. It shows that the faster a vehicle is travelling:

  • The more likely a collision will occur because the driver has less time to react, stop or avoid the collision
  • The more severe an injury resulting from the collision will be

TfL is introducing lower speed limits on London’s roads in two phases:

  • Phase 1: Roads TfL operates and manages within the central London Congestion Charging zone will have a speed limit of 20mph by 2020. TfL will consult with the public on this phase soon and will update this page with more information;
  • Phase 2: Speeds will be lowered on a further 140 kilometres of London’s road network in inner and outer London, including on the inner ring road, high-risk roads and roads in town centres. This might mean speeds will be lowered along some roads from 50mph to 40mph, or from 40mph to 30mph.

Many roads operated by London’s boroughs, and by TfL, already have speed limits of 20mph.

Lowering traffic speeds also makes our streets less polluted, and better and safer places to walk and cycle.

20mph: the safe speed limit for central London

The World Health Organisation advises that for roads where space is shared by motor vehicles and people walking, cycling or riding a motorbike, 20mph is the safe speed limit.

This is because a person walking who is hit by a vehicle travelling at 30mph is up to five times more likely to be killed than if they were hit at 20mph.

More and more, people are choosing to walk and cycle around London. We must reduce the risk of them being killed or seriously injured.

Identifying high-risk roads

All roads operated by TfL in the central London Congestion Charging Zone will be 20mph. This is because of the high numbers of people walking and cycling in the area, as well as the high number of motor vehicles travelling in the area, particularly during peak periods.

Click here to read more.

Source: TfL