More London roads will get 20mph speed limits, following Transport for London research indicating that the speed limit reduced collisions and injuries to pedestrians and cyclists.
Since 2023, over half of the capital’s roads have been reduced to 20mph. Out of the 33 London boroughs, 21 have now set a 20mph limit as the “default” for all residential roads under their control.
Previous research has revealed that an adult pedestrian who is hit by a vehicle driving at 30mph is five times more likely to be killed than someone hit at 20mph.
The 20mph zones are an integral part of TfL’s Vision Zero goal, which is to eradicate all deaths and serious injuries from London’s transport network by 2041.
“This compelling new analysis shows clearly that lowering speeds is saving lives. Every death or serious injury on our roads is one too many,” said Will Norman, the mayor’s walking and cycling commissioner.
What have been the impacts of the new 20mph roads in London?
TfL researchers examined police collision data for 157 schemes across London, comparing data three years before the speed limits were introduced with three years afterwards.
They found that there was a 12 per cent reduction in collisions and a 12 per cent reduction in casualties over the entire capital.
The reduction was most pronounced in areas with 20mph limits. There were 35 per cent fewer collisions and 36 per cent fewer casualties on borough roads where 20mph zones had been introduced.
The research also revealed that children were even less likely to be hurt in 20mph zones – with a 50 per cent cut in casualties and 75 per cent drop in fatalities.
At the same time, TfL’s research found no evidence that the 20mph zones increased congestion. However, there is some evidence from the US that 20mph schemes may slow down emergency services answering 999 calls.
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“This latest research from TfL backs up other studies that show streets are safer with 20mph speed limits and more people able to walk, wheel and cycle and to be active,” said Jeremy Leach from 20's Plenty for Us, a not-for-profit organisation that has been campaigning for the 20mph speed limit.
In 2023, the number of deaths on London’s roads fell to the lowest level on record. There were 95 road deaths in the capital in 2023, compared with 102 in 2002.
However, there was a 20 per cent increase in pedestrian fatalities in this period, rising from 41 to 49.
In 2023, there were eight motorcycle fatalities, up from two, and eight cyclist deaths, compared to seven in 2022.
Meanwhile, the number of young people killed on the road increased year on year between 2013 and 2023. Four boys aged 0-16 and 29 young men aged between 17-29 were killed on the road in 2023.
“Slower speeds not only protect the most vulnerable, they also help create safer, more welcoming streets, and are a vital part of building a safer London for everyone,” Norman said.
Where will they introduce more 20mph roads?
TfL have announced that they plan to roll out more 20mph next year, but the exact dates and locations have not yet been confirmed.