Wandsworth presses ahead with blanket 20

Speed Limits

The London Borough of Wandsworth is to implement 20mph limits on all remaining  borough 30mph roads and wants Transport for London to do the same on its roads.

Wandsworth recently implemented 20mph limits on all residential roads. The consultation for that exercise found that 64 per cent of residents supported A and B roads in the borough retaining 30mph limits. 

But Paul Chadwick, Wandsworth’s director of environment and community services,  told councillors this month that views may have changed because of the increased 20mph coverage on roads in neighbouring boroughs and on TfL roads. 

“As part of the council’s proposed response relating to Covid-19, it is proposed to introduce a boroughwide 20mph trial on all classified roads maintained by the council via an Experimental Traffic Order [for up to 18 months] to support more walking and cycling,” said Chadwick.

“It is also proposed to ask the mayor of London to implement the same measure on the TLRN [Transport for London road network] so that the whole borough benefits from a 20mph limit.”

The effect of this action appears likely to mean 20mph limits being introduced on roads where the mean speeds are far above 20, particularly at quieter times of day.

“All classified roads will be actively considered for suitability of a 20mph speed limit by using signing and lining only to help establish if the mean speed criteria of at or below 24mph can be met,” said Chadwick. 

“At the end of the trial period, traffic data and consultation feedback will be fully considered before a final decision is made on whether the [20mph on] individual roads should be made permanent, dropped or amended. Those requiring significant measures will be subject to further review and future funding opportunities.

“Not all existing 30mph classified roads will be suitable for a 20mph speed limit without substantial traffic calming measures if the mean speed is closer to or in excess of 31mph,” he said. 

The council says roads with mean speeds of above 25mph after the signed only limits are introduced will require calming measures.