Members of the London Assembly’s Transport Committee today visited Portsmouth to assess how effectively the 20mph limit introduced on all residential streets is improving road safety in the seaside city.
Today’s site visit gave Members the chance to gather evidence from Portsmouth City Council for the Transport Committee’s investigation into 20mph zones in London.
To date, London boroughs and Transport for London (TfL) have introduced almost 400 specific 20mph zones in the capital. Portsmouth has gone a step further – introducing a default 20mph speed limit on all residential streets.
The Transport Committee’s investigation is exploring the impact the 20mph zones have had on road safety in London – and whether a default limit similar to Portsmouth’s would be more effective. Last year there were 28,000 casualties and 222 deaths on London’s roads. Of those deaths, 109 were pedestrians and 15 were cyclists1.
Jenny Jones AM, who is leading the investigation on behalf of the Transport Committee, said:
"Seeing first-hand how Portsmouth’s 20mph limit is working to reduce road casualties has given us valuable insight into whether this approach would work in London. While there is still a way to go before we make our final recommendations, it is certainly an option for close consideration."
The purpose of the Transport Committee investigation is to:
* Look at the case for expanding the use of targeted 20mph zones, the barriers to implementation, and the potential costs and benefits.
* Look at the case for introducing default 20mph speed limits on residential roads, the barriers to implementation, and the potential costs and benefits.
* Make recommendations to relevant stakeholders including the Mayor, Transport for London, London Councils and the boroughs on the basis of the evidence gathered.
The investigation will draw on existing data about public support for 20mph limits and written evidence from relevant stakeholders. It will also include a witness session that will be open to the public. The findings from the investigation are expected to be published early next year.