The TfL figures about 20mph speed limits in the capital, as published in today’s Standard, underline what many of us have known for years; slower speeds save lives.
I am the Leader of the Liberal Democrat controlled Council in Richmond Upon Thames. We introduced a blanket 20mph limit on those roads which we controlled, with a handful of exceptions, in 2020. Roads which were 30mph became 20mph, and the handful with a 40mph limit became 30mph.
We faced considerable backlash, but we stuck to our guns. Why? Because making our streets safer for our residents was the right thing to do. And when I say our residents, I include car drivers as well as cyclists and pedestrians.
We were told journeys would be 50 per cent longer at lower speeds, even though nobody drives at a constant speed of thirty mph once you factor in corners being taken, space being made for buses, pockets of congestion and pedestrian crossings being encountered.
We were told that air pollution would increase even though studies from Imperial College suggested driving at 20mph had no significant impact on air pollution, and was actually beneficial as the pollution caused from brake and tyre wear is reduced at lower speeds.
For those drivers who continue to oppose 20mph, the question is even starker
We were told congestion would increase, even though it’s the number of cars on the road that causes congestion, not the speed they travel at.
In fact, the one set of comprehensive data we lacked was the figures published today, which prove beyond doubt the safety impact of 20mph limits across the capital. Yet, we pressed ahead, and today’s data emphatically vindicates Richmond’s decision to be a London leader on road safety.
The question for those leaders of London’s boroughs who have so far resisted 20mph is now clear. What more evidence do you need? Now there 34 per cent fewer people killed or seriously injured as a result of an accident, and 40 per cent fewer people killed, and 75 per cent fewer children killed. These are facts that can’t be ignored and demand action, even though a decision to move to 20mph might be unpopular among some residents.
And for those drivers who continue to oppose 20mph, the question is even starker. Why should your personal desire to drive at 30mph, just because you want to, be anywhere near as important as ensuring a child gets home from school safely? Without, that is, being hit by a car travelling at speed. If that child gets home from school at all.
Today’s TfL report is clear, 20mph reduces collisions, reduces serious accidents and ultimately saves lives.
Cllr Gareth Roberts is the Leader of the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member for the South West constituency
