Westminster has proposed cutting the speed limit to 20mph throughout the borough. A consultation will run until December 10.
Westminster has already introduced 20mph speed limits around 39 schools following a successful trial. Lower speed limits were supported by an overwhelming majority of residents, who felt it would make it safer to walk and cycle.
The London Evening Standard reports that the council is now looking to expand the 20mph limit to all roads across the borough, except for Transport for London’s red routes – although some of those will also become 20mph in the near future.
The development is striking as Westminster council has previously opposed high profile pedestrian and cycling safety schemes.
In February, the Court of Appeal upheld a High Court decision from last September which blocked construction of Cycle Superhighway 11 from Swiss Cottage to the West End.
The borough had argued that Transport for London (TfL) acted unlawfully in starting work before necessary consents had been obtained for the entirety of the route.
It also opposed the part-pedestrianisation of Oxford Street in 2017 – albeit that project would have seen cyclists banned.
Commenting on the 20mph proposals, Westminster deputy leader Tim Mitchell said: “More of our residents and visitors want to walk or cycle, and fewer people are driving. Introducing a lower speed limit will help make sure our streets remain safe for all.
“Our trial 20mph limits around schools proved hugely popular. Rolling these limits out across Westminster is the next logical step but we want to hear what people think first.”
Earlier this month, London Mayor Sadiq Khan announced that all TfL roads within the congestion charge zone, including those in Westminster, would become 20mph by next May.
Islington was the first London borough to introduce a 20mph borough-wide speed limit, doing so in 2009.
Westminster could impose 20mph limit throughout borough | road.cc
Westminster has proposed cutting the speed limit to 20mph throughout the borough. A consultation will run until December 10. Westminster has already introduced 20mph speed limits around 39 schools following a successful trial. Lower speed limits were supported by an overwhelming majority of residents, who felt it would make it safer to walk and cycle…. [Read More]
