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20mph limit for London: Livingstone plans trials using cameras to start next year
Last updated at 14:52pm on 17.10.07
Ken Livingstone said trials will begin next year using wireless cameras to enforce the lower speed
A number of 20mph zones exist in London boroughs such as Camden, using a mixture of signs, speed humps road narrowing and speed cameras (Above a file picture)
The Mayor today prepared the way for 20mph speed limits in every residential street in London.
Ken Livingstone said trials will begin next year using wireless cameras to enforce the lower speed.
The new technology is much cheaper and easier to install than conventional wired speed traps.
A number of 20mph zones exist in the capital's boroughs such as Camden, using a mixture of signs, speed humps, road narrowing and speed cameras.
Mr Livingstone said they had been "stunningly successful" in reducing accidents by 57 per cent.
But he said the new zones should only be enforced by cameras rather than "cheap and miserable" road humps.
Mr Livingstone told the London Assembly that if the trials were successful "you could roll out camera enforcement of 20mph lanes right the way across London".
He added: "My broad view is that in a residential area, there should be a 20mph limit.
"That is what is about to be introduced where I live (in Cricklewood, north west London) but it's being done with road humps.
"I think if you can say 20mph zones without the road humps there won't be any opposition."
Transport for London, which would carry out the trials, has a £10 million fund available to boroughs this year to introduce low-speed areas.
Jenny Jones, a member of the Green party and the Mayor's road safety adviser, said: "Making 20mph the normal speed limit in London would save lives, save money and give a major boost to cycling.
"There would be exemptions for some major roads, but all London's residential areas would be covered by the zone.
"The big advantage of having a London wide reduction in the speed limit is that we could reduce speeds without having to put in all the road humps, chicanes and other traffic calming measures that drivers hate.
"The London Mayor also needs to work closely with borough leaders who want to take a lead on this."
Reader views (11)
Here's a sample of the latest views published.
This Mayor is beyond belief. Perhaps he would like to return to the days when someone had to walk in front of cars waving a flag - or perhaps he should just ban cars altogether. A far better idea would be to bring back the Green Cross Code and teach children how to stop, look, then cross the road safely. Roll on the Mayoral elections when we can get rid of this tiresome little man once and for all.
- Michael, london
So all our vehicles that are not geared to drive at that speed efficiently will now pollute far more effectively.
We can look forward to yet another network of spy cameras on all our lamp posts, and another expensive system which we can all enjoy paying for. All supposedly to save lives, the logic of which if followed means we can soon look forward to a 15 mph limit and then maybe a complete ban on travel, effectively controlling us all by restricting movement. Which seems to be the final aim of all Labourite modern policies.
Sound like lunacy? So would have this ten years ago.
- Ian, Enfield
Most vehicles do not have a low rev count at 20mph so I would have thought that fuel efficiency might be effected... it would also be dangerous - too much checking the speedo and not enough focus on the road...just like on the M1 roadworks...dangerous.
- Morris, London
Another reason not to shop in London anymore then.
- Lawrence, Devon
As cars emit more pollution the slower they travel at, what detrimental effect will arise from forcing millions of cars to travel at a maximum of 20mph have on London's air quality? Also, a thorough analysis must be made on the numbers and types of accidents over a lengthy period of time within any proposed test zones to ensure that accidents aren't actually increased - due to the false sense of safety or even... boredom, that drivers may feel when driving at such slow speed.
- Js Sand, London, UK
More cameras pointed at drivers license plates, and not preventing crime. Just what London needs.
The reason they are using cameras is to collect more fines.
- Rudolf Corbin, United Kingdom
Will it still be 20mph at 3am when no one is around? This will make a fortune. This will get cars off the road as we all will be banned.
- Kinkyt, Highgate
Welcome to the next generation of car crashes - caused by falling asleep at the wheel due to the sheer boredom of being forced to drive at little over jogging speed.
- Js Sand, London, UK
Perhaps if they spent the money on fixing all the pot holes the roads would be safer. At 20mph, cyclists might start getting caught as well! I wonder what the 57% reduction in accidents actually comes out as in numbers is it two accidents this year instead of three?
- Marc, Harrow, UK
Bring it on, cameras on lights would be useful too, way too many people run them when they're on red.
- Trevor Roll, London
I'm sure Ken is looking forward to the income from fines!
- Dave, London
