Review of 20mph limits on London's roads gets underway

A new investigation will look at how effective 20mph zones have been in making London's roads - the scene of more than 28,000 casualties last year - safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

London boroughs and Transport for London (TfL) have the power to set speed limits of 20mph on residential streets, and between them have introduced almost 400 such zones in the capital.

Statistics show that 222 people died on London's roads last year. Of those, 109 were pedestrians and 15 were cyclists.

Are 20mph zones making a difference? Should more zones be introduced or are there more effective methods that could be deployed to reduce the number of casualties and fatalities on the streets of the capital? Are borough or even London-wide default 20mph limits on allresidential streets a viable option?

A special investigation by the London Assembly Transport Committee will set out to answer these questions and come up with recommendations to the Mayor and TfL about making London's roads safer.

Jenny Jones AM, (pictured above left, with Anne Gray centre and Pete McAskie right, Haringey Green Party general election candidates) who is leading the investigation on behalf of the Transport Committee, said:

"First we need to find out exactly how well the 20 mile per hour zones that are already in place in almost every London borough are actually working - then look at how best to take things forward.

"The statistics are shocking and it's obvious more needs to be done to improve road safety for Londoners."

The investigation will draw on existing data about public support for 20mph limits and call for written evidence from relevant stakeholders. It will also include a witness session that will be open to the public, and a site visit to Portsmouth where 20mph limits are being introduced on all residential streets. The findings from the investigation are expected to be published early next year.