TfL sets out next stage of plans to lower speed limits across South London

Transport for London (TfL) has launched engagement on plans to introduce 65km of new 20mph speed limits across South London.

The new speed limits will apply to Greenwich, Kensington and Chelsea, Lewisham, Southwark, Wandsworth, Merton, Bromley and Lambeth. 

TfL says the new speed limits would help to make a large area of South London safer and more attractive for people in these communities to live. 

Works to introduce the new speed limits could begin in September.

The new speed limits would be supported by new signs and road markings and existing speed cameras would have their enforcement threshold changed. 

Banners attached to streetlamps in the new 20mph areas would also be put in place to increase driver awareness. 

After the changes are made, TfL plans to carry out monitoring to determine whether further measures to reduce speeds are required.

These changes have come after the police reported speed as a contributory factor in almost half of fatal collisions in 2020.

This year the police will enforce about 650,000 speeding offences, an increase of about 30 per cent compared to the previous year.

Will Norman, London’s Walking & Cycling Commissioner, said: “The facts are clear, a person hit by a vehicle at 20mph is five times less likely to be killed than at 30mph.

“We are determined to build a safer, greener London for everyone and the continued expansion of the 20mph programme on TfL roads is playing a vital role in making the capital’s roads safer for people to walk, cycle and use public transport.”

Pictured Top: Pedestrians in London (Picture: TfL)