20mph limits in London 'reduce road casualties by a third' says TfL

Yahoo

21-05-2025

Research by Transport for London (TfL) has revealed that 20mph speed limits have significantly reduced road casualties in the capital.
The study, which examined more than 150 speed limit schemes implemented between 1989 and 2013, found a 34 per cent reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured on borough roads.
This research is part of TfL's efforts to achieve the Mayor's Vision Zero goal, which aims to eliminate deaths and serious injuries from London's transport network.
The analysis also showed a 40 per cent reduction in the number of people killed, a 75 per cent reduction in the number of children killed, and a 35 per cent reduction in collisions on borough roads.
TfL's chief safety health and environment officer, Lilli Matson, said: "It is brilliant to see the long-term analysis in this report.
"It contains hugely important findings which show the difference that 20mph speed limits have made to road safety in London, and we are able to fully understand the impact of road safety measures across the city over a longer time span.
"Lower speed limits save lives.
"We're committed to eliminating unsafe speeds across London, and the analysis in this report reinforces our approach.
"No death or serious injury on London's streets is acceptable or inevitable, and we are determined that London continues to be at the forefront of making real and lasting change."
The report acknowledges other road safety improvement measures implemented between 1989 and 2013, but provides compelling evidence that 20mph schemes reduce the number of casualties regardless of all other road improvements.
TfL's research also suggests that lower speed limits have not increased congestion.
Walking and cycling commissioner, Will Norman, said: "This compelling new analysis shows clearly that lowering speeds is saving lives.
"Every death or serious injury on our roads is one too many.
"Slower speeds not only protect the most vulnerable, they also help create safer, more welcoming streets, and are a vital part of building a safer London for everyone.
"The Mayor and I are proud that London is leading the way with bold, evidence-led action to reduce danger on our roads, and we will continue working to eliminate death and serious injury on the transport network as part of our Vision Zero goal."
Since 2018, TfL has introduced more than 264km of 20mph speed limits, and over half of London's roads now have 20mph speed limits.
TfL is committed to lowering speed limits across London, with plans to continue to roll out 20mph on its road network next year.
Jeremy Leach from 20's Plenty for Us said: "Over the past 30 years, London's boroughs have pioneered the widespread use of 20mph speed limits, making streets feel safer and be safer for residents and visitors alike.
"This latest research from TfL backs up other studies that show streets are safer with 20mph speed limits and more people able to walk, wheel and cycle and to be active.
"We hope that the small number of London's boroughs that have yet to make widespread use of lower speed limits will not miss this chance to bring in 20mph limits on many of their streets and roads."
Newham councillor Sarah Ruiz, cabinet member for environment, sustainable transport, children's services and education, said: "Reducing the speed of traffic on our roads is essential for making the borough safer for all our residents and encourages our residents to take up the many advantages of switching from cars to sustainable transport, like cycling or walking.
"The statistics are clear, the 20 mile an hour limits are saving lives and serious injury and make it safer and more attractive to get about the borough."