Transport for London (TfL) has opened local engagement on plans to introduce a new 20mph speed limit within the boroughs of Camden, Islington, Hackney, Haringey and Tower Hamlets in 2023.

The project is part of TfL’s commitment to lower the speed limit by 10mph on 137 miles of its road network by 2024

The proposed changes apply to some 17 miles of roads and would mean that almost all the roads in Camden, Islington, Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Haringey would have a consistent 20mph speed limit on both the Transport for London Road Network (TLRN) and borough network.

The lower limits would support the Mayor’s Vision Zero plan to eliminate deaths and serious injury on the transport network and to enable more walking and cycling in the capital. People hit by a vehicle at 20mph are around five times less likely to be fatally injured than at 30mph.

The new speed limits would be supported by new signs and road markings, and TfL would work closely with the Metropolitan Police Service to ensure that drivers understand and comply with the new lower speed.

TfL will also carry out monitoring to determine whether further measures to further reduce vehicle speeds are required. It’s already working with the Met to increase enforcement against drivers and riders who speed and the two are on target to take action on a million speeding offences by 2024. In 2021/22, the Met enforced 476,685 speeding offences – up 72% compared to the previous year.

The project is part of TfL’s commitment to lower the speed limit by 10mph on 137 miles of its road network by 2024.

Penny Rees, head of healthy streets investment, said: “The introduction of 20mph speed limits would not only save lives but also encourage Londoners to travel in more active and sustainable ways. Making London’s streets safer for people walking and cycling is our top priority and 20mph speed limits significantly reduce road danger. We really value people’s feedback on our proposals and I’d encourage everybody to use this opportunity to have their say on our plans.”

The local engagement can be completed here.