Islington to extend 20mph speed limit to main roads

Road safety is about to be stepped up a gear locally, as Islington is to become the first place in the country to introduce a 20mph speed limit onto main roads. The move follows the Council's decision a year ago to introduce a 20mph speed limit on all side streets.

Following support from residents in Islington, plans have now been unveiled to extend the existing 20mph zone to several main roads, currently operating a 30mph limit. There is a significantly higher survival rate for pedestrians hit by cars travelling at 20mph than at 30mph, which is part of the thinking behind the plan.

Roads affected by the speed restrictions will include main routes such as Essex Road, Caledonian Road, Old Street, Hornsey Road, Stroud Green Road and Goswell Road.

Cllr Paul Convery, Islington Council's executive member for planning, regeneration and leisure, said: "We're on the side of our residents and are committed to making Islington a safer place.

"This is a bold step, but there has been strong support from local residents and councillors for extending 20mph in Islington and we are taking a firm lead.

"Of all major motoring offences speeding is seen as the least socially unacceptable, but it's a killer.  Someone hit at 20mph has a 90 per cent chance of survival.  At 30mph, it's 50 per cent.

"Drink-driving was once seen as not that bad - today it is rightly seen as completely wrong.  We believe Islington's pioneering approach will one day become the accepted standard in London and other cities."

Under the plans, drivers on main roads will be notified of the 20mph limit with regular speed limit signs.

The number of people killed or seriously injured on Islington's roads fell from 227 in 2001 to 77 in 2009.  This is partly thought to be related to the introduction of 20mph limits in residential areas and most accidents are now on main roads.

The 20mph limit would not apply on routes in Islington that are managed by Transport for London, including Upper Street, Holloway Road and Seven Sisters Road.

The proposal is included in a report that will go for approval to the council's Executive meeting on November 24.  If passed, consultation will begin next year on bringing individual main roads under the 20mph limit.