The London mayor has not supported a local authority which wants to
explore the use of 20mph as the standard speed limit on most of the
roads in its borough. Mayor Boris was answering a question from Darren
Johnson about Transport for London providing Lewisham with the
appropriate technical and legal guidance, and financial support.
Darren Johnson said:
"After working to secure funding from TfL under the previous Mayor for
an innovative approach to borough-wide 20mph limits in residential
areas rather than the current piecemeal approach, I am disappointed
that Mayor Boris Johnson has backtracked on this and is merely
proposing business as usual. This is a particular blow to Lewisham
where there was genuine enthusiasm for being the first 20mph borough,
with cross party support from a councilor scrutiny panel and Mayor
Steve Bullock.
"A previous study showed that 20mph areas have reduced casualties by
over half in London. Time distance cameras, rather than speed humps,
could be used to enforce 20mph over large areas of London, with some
exceptions for major roads. It would smooth traffic flows, reduce
emissions and encourage more people to switch to cycling."