TfL to introduce 20mph speed limits in Camden, Islington, Hackney, Haringey and Tower Hamlets

Transport for London (TfL) will bring in 20mph speed limits on its roads in Camden, Islington, Hackney, Haringey and Tower Hamlets from Friday March 31.

The 20mph speed limits will be introduced on sections of the A503, A501, A41, A1, A10, A11 and A1203.

This is part of what the mayor of London calls his Vision Zero goal of eliminating death and serious injury from London’s transport network, and enabling more walking and cycling in the capital.

The new speed limits will be supported by new signs and road markings, and TfL is working closely with the Metropolitan Police to ensure that drivers understand and comply with the new lower speed limits.

Banners attached to street lamps in the new 20mph areas will also be put in place to increase driver awareness of the new speed limit.

In 2020 the police reported speed as a contributory factor in almost half of fatal collisions.

Last week, TfL launched local engagement on plans to introduce 65km of new 20mph speed limits within the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Lewisham, Southwark, Wandsworth, Merton, Bromley and Lambeth.

TfL is now working to lower speeds on more than 140km of its roads by May 2024 in inner and outer London, after introducing 13.7km of new lower speed limit schemes in February 2022.

London’s walking and cycling commissioner, Will Norman, said: "TfL data shows that 20mph speed limits are reducing the number of collisions on London’s roads, highlighting how important the continued expansion of the 20mph programme is.

“Lowering speeds is one of the most important things we can do to reduce road danger and we’ll continue to work with TfL, the Met Police and London’s boroughs to make it easier and safer for people to walk, cycle and use public transport, creating a safer, greener London for everyone.”

Penny Rees, TfL head of healthy streets investment, said: "We are determined to eliminate deaths and serious injuries from London’s roads in line with our Vision Zero goal.

“Speed continues to be a factor in almost half of fatal collisions in London and this is not acceptable.

“It’s clear that these new 20mph speed limits will not only save lives, but also make it easier and safer for people to walk, cycle and use public transport, creating a safer, greener London for everyone.”

TfL has started work recently on major new schemes to make it safer and easier to walk and cycle in the capital.

Construction work has started on Cycleway 50, a new route between Finsbury Park and Holloway Road, which will include an overhaul of the intimidating and outdated Nag’s Head gyratory.

Work has also started to transform the Lea Bridge Roundabout in Hackney with upgraded pedestrian crossings and segregated cycle lanes throughout, making it easier to walk and cycle through this key junction.