Early introduction of reduced speed limits coming into force in Merton

By Harrison Galliven, Local Democracy Reporter

A number of major speed limit changes are coming to Merton later this month as part of TfL’s Vision Zero Action Plan.

Several roads are due to have their speed limits reduced on March 18 – the change coming to South London roads earlier than the previous TfL plan to introduce them in April. Neighbouring Sutton is also affected.

A 20mph speed limit will be introduced in Crown Road and London Road, just off Morden Hall Road.

St Helier Avenue, previously a 40mph road, will now have a 30mph limit, with the new limit to be enforced by three cameras.

Reigate Avenue, previously a 40mph road, will also now have a 30mph limit and Rose Hill Roundabout, and the first part of St Helier Avenue, will now now have a 20mph limit

TfL has said these particular roads have been chosen where there is a high risk to pedestrians and cyclists also using the roads. TfL has said that these changes are designed to make the roads safer and reduce the number of traffic collisions in key areas.

On the Vision Zero Action Plan website, TfL said: “Collision data from around the world is very clear. It shows the faster a vehicle is traveling the more likely a collision will occur because the driver has less time to react, stop or avoid the collision and the more severe an injury resulting from the collision will be.”

A TfL spokesman said: “TfL held local engagement, enabling residents and businesses to comment on the proposals for both the project and programme as a whole, as opposed to a one-off consultation exercise.

“Local residents and businesses were approached and guided towards the Have Your Say page to add comments.”

But the  changes come following rising criticism from councillors across the boroughs, who see this as a part of a wider ‘war on motorists’.

One local resident, Tom Saunders, said: “Car enthusiasts, who invest time and passion into their vehicles, feel particularly marginalised by policies that fail to recognise the cultural and recreational significance of cars.”

Pictured top: The Beddington Lane tram stop, which acts as a border between Sutton and Merton, where speed restrictions are due to come into play (Picture: Harrison Galliven/LDRS)