In March 2020, TfL introduced a 20mph speed limit on all of its roads within the central London Congestion Charging zone as part of its Vision Zero commitment to eliminate death and serious injury on the capital’s roads by 2041. Currently over half of London’s roads have a 20mph speed limit. TfL is now working to lower speeds on 220km of its roads by 2024.
Since the lower speeds were introduced, TfL have been monitoring their effectiveness and have now released new data that shows a significant reduction in the number of collisions. In summary, the number of collisions has reduced by 25 per cent (from 406 to 304), and collisions resulting in death or serious injury have reduced by 25 per cent (from 94 to 71). Collisions involving people walking have decreased by 63 per cent (from 124 to 46).
Will Norman, London’s Walking & Cycling Commissioner, said: “Sadly more than 4,000 people are killed and seriously injured on London’s roads every year. 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.”