Lowering Speed Limits Programme

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The Mayor and Transport for London (TfL) are committed to Vision Zero, eliminating death and serious injury from London’s roads. The Vision Zero Action Plan sets out our ambition and next steps to achieve this. It details our plans to reduce road danger, including proposals to implement safer speeds on the roads we operate and manage across London.


What we are doing

Our Vision Zero Action Plan sets out our aims to lower the speed limit by 10mph in selected locations on the Transport for London Road Network (TLRN). TfL manages the TLRN which is made up of London’s most strategic roads, accounting for roughly 5% of London’s roads. The remaining 95% of London’s roads are managed by local authorities.

Currently 267km of the TLRN is subject to a 20mph speed limit and over half of London's roads now have a 20mph speed limit. It's the policy of two thirds of London local authorities to apply this limit to most of their roads. The Mayor has asked us to continue the programme of reducing speeds on the TLRN as there are more locations where we can reduce speeds to reduce collisions and casualties across London.

Works are starting for Phase 3 of our Lowering Speed Limits programme in early 2026. This phase involves reducing speed limits on roads on the TLRN in nine more locations.

We are committed to improving transport in London by making it safe and reliable. All of our plans have been designed with this in mind. Please view our Equalities Statement for more information.

Our work consists of installing new traffic signing and relining the carriageway. The majority of works will be carried out under ‘mobile works’ with minimal impact to road users and pedestrians. In some cases, as a last resort, carriageway and footway closures will be utilised with diversions in place.


Why we are lowering speeds

Collision data from around the world is very clear. It shows the faster a vehicle is travelling, the more likely a collision will occur because the driver has less time to react, stop or avoid the collision and the more severe an injury resulting from the collision will be.

We recently published a study which examines the impact of over 150 20mph schemes on borough roads in London between 1989 and 2013. Our report – the first of its scale in London – comprehensively demonstrates that 20mph schemes have had a significant positive impact on reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured (KSI) on our roads. It shows that on borough roads where 20mph speed limits were introduced, there was a 34% reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured (from 395 to 260), compared against the background trend of a 15% fall.


The effectiveness of the Lowering Speed Limits programme on the TLRN so far

Phase 1

Data collected from 1 May 2020 to 30 June 2022 were compared to a similar seasonally-matched period before 20mph speed limits were implemented in the central London Congestion Charging Zone in 2020. The number of collisions fell 25% (from 405 to 304), and collisions resulting in death or serious injury fell 24% (from 94 to 71).

The London-wide reduction in collisions resulting in death or serious injury fell around 10% over the same period.

Collision data for the whole of London is provided in CSV extracts on our website every year. We provide more information on our calculations and methodology at the bottom of our Safe Speeds webpage. A detailed report has been commissioned which is due to be published later in 2026.


Phase 2

Detailed analysis will be published after 3 years’ worth of collision data becomes available.


The discussion has now closed. You can still post any questions using the question tool at the bottom of this page.

The Mayor and Transport for London (TfL) are committed to Vision Zero, eliminating death and serious injury from London’s roads. The Vision Zero Action Plan sets out our ambition and next steps to achieve this. It details our plans to reduce road danger, including proposals to implement safer speeds on the roads we operate and manage across London.


What we are doing

Our Vision Zero Action Plan sets out our aims to lower the speed limit by 10mph in selected locations on the Transport for London Road Network (TLRN). TfL manages the TLRN which is made up of London’s most strategic roads, accounting for roughly 5% of London’s roads. The remaining 95% of London’s roads are managed by local authorities.

Currently 267km of the TLRN is subject to a 20mph speed limit and over half of London's roads now have a 20mph speed limit. It's the policy of two thirds of London local authorities to apply this limit to most of their roads. The Mayor has asked us to continue the programme of reducing speeds on the TLRN as there are more locations where we can reduce speeds to reduce collisions and casualties across London.

Works are starting for Phase 3 of our Lowering Speed Limits programme in early 2026. This phase involves reducing speed limits on roads on the TLRN in nine more locations.

We are committed to improving transport in London by making it safe and reliable. All of our plans have been designed with this in mind. Please view our Equalities Statement for more information.

Our work consists of installing new traffic signing and relining the carriageway. The majority of works will be carried out under ‘mobile works’ with minimal impact to road users and pedestrians. In some cases, as a last resort, carriageway and footway closures will be utilised with diversions in place.


Why we are lowering speeds

Collision data from around the world is very clear. It shows the faster a vehicle is travelling, the more likely a collision will occur because the driver has less time to react, stop or avoid the collision and the more severe an injury resulting from the collision will be.

We recently published a study which examines the impact of over 150 20mph schemes on borough roads in London between 1989 and 2013. Our report – the first of its scale in London – comprehensively demonstrates that 20mph schemes have had a significant positive impact on reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured (KSI) on our roads. It shows that on borough roads where 20mph speed limits were introduced, there was a 34% reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured (from 395 to 260), compared against the background trend of a 15% fall.


The effectiveness of the Lowering Speed Limits programme on the TLRN so far

Phase 1

Data collected from 1 May 2020 to 30 June 2022 were compared to a similar seasonally-matched period before 20mph speed limits were implemented in the central London Congestion Charging Zone in 2020. The number of collisions fell 25% (from 405 to 304), and collisions resulting in death or serious injury fell 24% (from 94 to 71).

The London-wide reduction in collisions resulting in death or serious injury fell around 10% over the same period.

Collision data for the whole of London is provided in CSV extracts on our website every year. We provide more information on our calculations and methodology at the bottom of our Safe Speeds webpage. A detailed report has been commissioned which is due to be published later in 2026.


Phase 2

Detailed analysis will be published after 3 years’ worth of collision data becomes available.


The discussion has now closed. You can still post any questions using the question tool at the bottom of this page.

Ask us about the programme

If you have any questions about the scheme, you can ask us here. We will then aim to get back to you.

Please note that any questions you ask may be visible to others and will be subject to moderation. Any personal information will be kept confidential but your user name will be displayed. Further details on moderation are available here and privacy here.

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  • Share Regarding Archway Road: yes, the speed limit should definitely be reduced to 20 mph—but the bigger issue is enforcement. Right now, the limit is 30 mph, but I regularly see and hear drivers and motorcyclists accelerating to 40 mph heading north from the traffic lights in front of Archway Campus up to the bridge. As others have pointed out, the noise pollution from motorbikes is also a serious problem and needs to be addressed. What can/will be done about the speed limit enforcement for this stretch of road? on Facebook Share Regarding Archway Road: yes, the speed limit should definitely be reduced to 20 mph—but the bigger issue is enforcement. Right now, the limit is 30 mph, but I regularly see and hear drivers and motorcyclists accelerating to 40 mph heading north from the traffic lights in front of Archway Campus up to the bridge. As others have pointed out, the noise pollution from motorbikes is also a serious problem and needs to be addressed. What can/will be done about the speed limit enforcement for this stretch of road? on Twitter Share Regarding Archway Road: yes, the speed limit should definitely be reduced to 20 mph—but the bigger issue is enforcement. Right now, the limit is 30 mph, but I regularly see and hear drivers and motorcyclists accelerating to 40 mph heading north from the traffic lights in front of Archway Campus up to the bridge. As others have pointed out, the noise pollution from motorbikes is also a serious problem and needs to be addressed. What can/will be done about the speed limit enforcement for this stretch of road? on Linkedin Email Regarding Archway Road: yes, the speed limit should definitely be reduced to 20 mph—but the bigger issue is enforcement. Right now, the limit is 30 mph, but I regularly see and hear drivers and motorcyclists accelerating to 40 mph heading north from the traffic lights in front of Archway Campus up to the bridge. As others have pointed out, the noise pollution from motorbikes is also a serious problem and needs to be addressed. What can/will be done about the speed limit enforcement for this stretch of road? link

    Regarding Archway Road: yes, the speed limit should definitely be reduced to 20 mph—but the bigger issue is enforcement. Right now, the limit is 30 mph, but I regularly see and hear drivers and motorcyclists accelerating to 40 mph heading north from the traffic lights in front of Archway Campus up to the bridge. As others have pointed out, the noise pollution from motorbikes is also a serious problem and needs to be addressed. What can/will be done about the speed limit enforcement for this stretch of road?

    whitehallparkingit asked 6 months ago

    Thank you for your comments.

    Enforcement plays a fundamental role in helping to deliver compliance with speed limits. The Police enforce all speed limits in London, including 20mph speed limits. TfL and the Metropolitan Police will continue to offer Community Roadwatch across London, allowing members of the public to work with the Police to undertake speed enforcement in their local areas. We are delivering marketing, enforcement, training and education campaigns to change behaviours and ensure everyone who uses the road network – people driving, riding or walking – is behaving safely. While speed limits only apply to motor vehicles under the Highway Code, we expect cyclists, motorcyclists and drivers to travel safely and acknowledge the lower speed limits. 

    More information on Community Roadwatch can be found here: https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/safety-and-security/road-safety/community-roadwatch.

    Our policing partners always find first hand intelligence useful. This type of offence can be tricky as the police have to witness it to enforce it and when the police are onsite, people are more likely to be compliant. Motorists or witnesses should report any criminal issues to the police via the Metropolitan Police website https://www.met.police.uk/ro/report/rti/rti-beta-2.1/report-a-road-traffic-incident/, or by visiting a police station. As much evidence and detail as possible should be provided as this could help lead to a successful prosecution. The police will also use this data to build on intelligence and inform tasking and deployment of police officers.

    We will be monitoring the implementation of this latest phase of work and will make any necessary changes if the data indicates that they are required.

  • Share What has been the impact/outcome of lowering speeds so far? Is there a report? on Facebook Share What has been the impact/outcome of lowering speeds so far? Is there a report? on Twitter Share What has been the impact/outcome of lowering speeds so far? Is there a report? on Linkedin Email What has been the impact/outcome of lowering speeds so far? Is there a report? link

    What has been the impact/outcome of lowering speeds so far? Is there a report?

    BettyF asked about 1 year ago

    Apologies for the delay in answering your question. It got lost in our system.

    There is a report on the impacts of lowering speed limits, which can be read here: borough-report-lower-speeds-1989-2013.docx. 

  • Share Hello - I am a resident on A306 Roehampton Lane and it's great to see its inclusion on the 20mph list. In the map shared my only concern is there doesn't appear to be any new road signs planned (only replacements of existing ones). The section of the road where we always see excessive speeding is the north section near the intersection with A205. This is opposite residential housing and people speed excessively down the hill to make a green light and also pull away from the lights going up the hill often at excessive speeds. Currently the only speed sign when turning on to the A306 from the A205 is on the opposite side to the direction of travel (near bust stop S). Would it be possible to install another sign here but on the correct side of the road so it is obvious to see when turning on to the road? Would there be any additional safety measures at the north end of the road such as speed cameras, vehicle activated speed signs or pedestrian crossings? Thank you. on Facebook Share Hello - I am a resident on A306 Roehampton Lane and it's great to see its inclusion on the 20mph list. In the map shared my only concern is there doesn't appear to be any new road signs planned (only replacements of existing ones). The section of the road where we always see excessive speeding is the north section near the intersection with A205. This is opposite residential housing and people speed excessively down the hill to make a green light and also pull away from the lights going up the hill often at excessive speeds. Currently the only speed sign when turning on to the A306 from the A205 is on the opposite side to the direction of travel (near bust stop S). Would it be possible to install another sign here but on the correct side of the road so it is obvious to see when turning on to the road? Would there be any additional safety measures at the north end of the road such as speed cameras, vehicle activated speed signs or pedestrian crossings? Thank you. on Twitter Share Hello - I am a resident on A306 Roehampton Lane and it's great to see its inclusion on the 20mph list. In the map shared my only concern is there doesn't appear to be any new road signs planned (only replacements of existing ones). The section of the road where we always see excessive speeding is the north section near the intersection with A205. This is opposite residential housing and people speed excessively down the hill to make a green light and also pull away from the lights going up the hill often at excessive speeds. Currently the only speed sign when turning on to the A306 from the A205 is on the opposite side to the direction of travel (near bust stop S). Would it be possible to install another sign here but on the correct side of the road so it is obvious to see when turning on to the road? Would there be any additional safety measures at the north end of the road such as speed cameras, vehicle activated speed signs or pedestrian crossings? Thank you. on Linkedin Email Hello - I am a resident on A306 Roehampton Lane and it's great to see its inclusion on the 20mph list. In the map shared my only concern is there doesn't appear to be any new road signs planned (only replacements of existing ones). The section of the road where we always see excessive speeding is the north section near the intersection with A205. This is opposite residential housing and people speed excessively down the hill to make a green light and also pull away from the lights going up the hill often at excessive speeds. Currently the only speed sign when turning on to the A306 from the A205 is on the opposite side to the direction of travel (near bust stop S). Would it be possible to install another sign here but on the correct side of the road so it is obvious to see when turning on to the road? Would there be any additional safety measures at the north end of the road such as speed cameras, vehicle activated speed signs or pedestrian crossings? Thank you. link

    Hello - I am a resident on A306 Roehampton Lane and it's great to see its inclusion on the 20mph list. In the map shared my only concern is there doesn't appear to be any new road signs planned (only replacements of existing ones). The section of the road where we always see excessive speeding is the north section near the intersection with A205. This is opposite residential housing and people speed excessively down the hill to make a green light and also pull away from the lights going up the hill often at excessive speeds. Currently the only speed sign when turning on to the A306 from the A205 is on the opposite side to the direction of travel (near bust stop S). Would it be possible to install another sign here but on the correct side of the road so it is obvious to see when turning on to the road? Would there be any additional safety measures at the north end of the road such as speed cameras, vehicle activated speed signs or pedestrian crossings? Thank you.

    LondenerWandsworth asked 7 months ago

    Thank you for your comments.

    There is an existing 30mph terminal sign located on the first lamp column on the eastern footway as you turn in from the A205. However, it is currently obscured by vegetation. We will change this 30mph sign for a 20mph sign and try to trim the vegetation. As the tree is on private land, permission from the landowner will be required.  

    We are proposing repeater signs showing ‘20’ intermittently along Roehampton Lane, which will be mounted on existing lamp columns and posts. Road markings showing a 20 roundel will also be provided along the scheme extents, with one positioned in the southbound direction close to the junction with the A205, which should help with reinforcing the new lower speed limit.

  • Share I have just received the TFL letter confirming the change of speed limit from 30 to 20 mph being implemented from early 2026 on the A312 from the White Hart Roundabout to the Western Avenue, which I fully support. The letter states that "All existing speed safety camera's will have their enforcement thresholds lowered to reflect the new speed limit". My understanding is that there is only one speed camera on this road whicj is just North of the White Hart roundabout, but this is only used to enforce parking and red route violations on or near the access road for the shops nrar the White Hart. It is not currently used for speeding offences? Can you confirm whether this camera will now be used for enforcement, will further cameras be added on both carriageways of this dual carriageway road? The letter recieved does not refer to new cameras being added. Anyone who lives on this road or has to cross it from.nearby roads can tell you that when traffic volumes allow, vehicles currently often exceed the 30 mph limit. I cannot see why this will change unless it is properly enforced. Often in the early hours of the morning this road is used as a race track by people driving souped-up, extremely noisey cars going at far, far greater speeds. A new spped limit without enforcement will be largely pointless I fear. on Facebook Share I have just received the TFL letter confirming the change of speed limit from 30 to 20 mph being implemented from early 2026 on the A312 from the White Hart Roundabout to the Western Avenue, which I fully support. The letter states that "All existing speed safety camera's will have their enforcement thresholds lowered to reflect the new speed limit". My understanding is that there is only one speed camera on this road whicj is just North of the White Hart roundabout, but this is only used to enforce parking and red route violations on or near the access road for the shops nrar the White Hart. It is not currently used for speeding offences? Can you confirm whether this camera will now be used for enforcement, will further cameras be added on both carriageways of this dual carriageway road? The letter recieved does not refer to new cameras being added. Anyone who lives on this road or has to cross it from.nearby roads can tell you that when traffic volumes allow, vehicles currently often exceed the 30 mph limit. I cannot see why this will change unless it is properly enforced. Often in the early hours of the morning this road is used as a race track by people driving souped-up, extremely noisey cars going at far, far greater speeds. A new spped limit without enforcement will be largely pointless I fear. on Twitter Share I have just received the TFL letter confirming the change of speed limit from 30 to 20 mph being implemented from early 2026 on the A312 from the White Hart Roundabout to the Western Avenue, which I fully support. The letter states that "All existing speed safety camera's will have their enforcement thresholds lowered to reflect the new speed limit". My understanding is that there is only one speed camera on this road whicj is just North of the White Hart roundabout, but this is only used to enforce parking and red route violations on or near the access road for the shops nrar the White Hart. It is not currently used for speeding offences? Can you confirm whether this camera will now be used for enforcement, will further cameras be added on both carriageways of this dual carriageway road? The letter recieved does not refer to new cameras being added. Anyone who lives on this road or has to cross it from.nearby roads can tell you that when traffic volumes allow, vehicles currently often exceed the 30 mph limit. I cannot see why this will change unless it is properly enforced. Often in the early hours of the morning this road is used as a race track by people driving souped-up, extremely noisey cars going at far, far greater speeds. A new spped limit without enforcement will be largely pointless I fear. on Linkedin Email I have just received the TFL letter confirming the change of speed limit from 30 to 20 mph being implemented from early 2026 on the A312 from the White Hart Roundabout to the Western Avenue, which I fully support. The letter states that "All existing speed safety camera's will have their enforcement thresholds lowered to reflect the new speed limit". My understanding is that there is only one speed camera on this road whicj is just North of the White Hart roundabout, but this is only used to enforce parking and red route violations on or near the access road for the shops nrar the White Hart. It is not currently used for speeding offences? Can you confirm whether this camera will now be used for enforcement, will further cameras be added on both carriageways of this dual carriageway road? The letter recieved does not refer to new cameras being added. Anyone who lives on this road or has to cross it from.nearby roads can tell you that when traffic volumes allow, vehicles currently often exceed the 30 mph limit. I cannot see why this will change unless it is properly enforced. Often in the early hours of the morning this road is used as a race track by people driving souped-up, extremely noisey cars going at far, far greater speeds. A new spped limit without enforcement will be largely pointless I fear. link

    I have just received the TFL letter confirming the change of speed limit from 30 to 20 mph being implemented from early 2026 on the A312 from the White Hart Roundabout to the Western Avenue, which I fully support. The letter states that "All existing speed safety camera's will have their enforcement thresholds lowered to reflect the new speed limit". My understanding is that there is only one speed camera on this road whicj is just North of the White Hart roundabout, but this is only used to enforce parking and red route violations on or near the access road for the shops nrar the White Hart. It is not currently used for speeding offences? Can you confirm whether this camera will now be used for enforcement, will further cameras be added on both carriageways of this dual carriageway road? The letter recieved does not refer to new cameras being added. Anyone who lives on this road or has to cross it from.nearby roads can tell you that when traffic volumes allow, vehicles currently often exceed the 30 mph limit. I cannot see why this will change unless it is properly enforced. Often in the early hours of the morning this road is used as a race track by people driving souped-up, extremely noisey cars going at far, far greater speeds. A new spped limit without enforcement will be largely pointless I fear.

    Vaughany1 asked 7 months ago
    Thank you for your comments and your questions.

    We can confirm that there are no speed cameras within the scheme extents and that we are not planning to put any cameras in as part of the scheme. Apologies for the confusion this line in the letter caused.

    We are working with the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to increase their capacity to take enforcement action against drivers and riders who speed. The MPS enforced over 800,000 speed offences in 2024/25 to provide a more effective deterrent to speeding. This was delivered through a combination of on-street police enforcement, our extensive safety camera network and mobile safety cameras introduced last year. 

    Our policing partners always find first hand intelligence useful. This type of offence can be tricky as the police have to witness it to enforce it and when the police are onsite, people are more likely to be compliant. Motorists or witnesses should report any criminal issues to the police via the Metropolitan Police website https://www.met.police.uk/ro/report/rti/rti-beta-2.1/report-a-road-traffic-incident/, or by visiting a police station. As much evidence and detail as possible should be provided as this could help lead to a successful prosecution. The police will also use this data to build on intelligence and inform tasking and deployment of police officers.

    Finally, in our Vision Zero Action Plan, we committed to expanding London’s safety camera network as part of efforts to reduce speed and speed-related collisions in the capital. We are undertaking the essential preparatory work for this and ensuring we have all the necessary elements in place before rolling out new camera sites. This includes implementation of offence processing technology, recruitment of enforcement staff, and exploring new camera technology to ensure that we are investing in the best and most cost-effective systems for the future. Once we are in a position to expand the network, we will prioritise locations for safety cameras, using a methodology developed in consultation with boroughs and London Councils. 
  • Share The A1 Archway Road is six lanes wide and was built for high speeds and high traffic volumes. It definitely doesn't need to be the width it is and you're now lowering the speed limit. What will be done to redesign the road to make it more appropriate for the lower speed? Will there be more trees and cycle lanes? Will there be more enforcement? Just painting new speed limits on the road isn't enough to transform the area or driver behaviour. on Facebook Share The A1 Archway Road is six lanes wide and was built for high speeds and high traffic volumes. It definitely doesn't need to be the width it is and you're now lowering the speed limit. What will be done to redesign the road to make it more appropriate for the lower speed? Will there be more trees and cycle lanes? Will there be more enforcement? Just painting new speed limits on the road isn't enough to transform the area or driver behaviour. on Twitter Share The A1 Archway Road is six lanes wide and was built for high speeds and high traffic volumes. It definitely doesn't need to be the width it is and you're now lowering the speed limit. What will be done to redesign the road to make it more appropriate for the lower speed? Will there be more trees and cycle lanes? Will there be more enforcement? Just painting new speed limits on the road isn't enough to transform the area or driver behaviour. on Linkedin Email The A1 Archway Road is six lanes wide and was built for high speeds and high traffic volumes. It definitely doesn't need to be the width it is and you're now lowering the speed limit. What will be done to redesign the road to make it more appropriate for the lower speed? Will there be more trees and cycle lanes? Will there be more enforcement? Just painting new speed limits on the road isn't enough to transform the area or driver behaviour. link

    The A1 Archway Road is six lanes wide and was built for high speeds and high traffic volumes. It definitely doesn't need to be the width it is and you're now lowering the speed limit. What will be done to redesign the road to make it more appropriate for the lower speed? Will there be more trees and cycle lanes? Will there be more enforcement? Just painting new speed limits on the road isn't enough to transform the area or driver behaviour.

    North Islington asked 7 months ago
    Thank you for your comments.

    We are taking a two-stage approach to implementing this scheme. The first stage will introduce the changes, using signs and lines. We will then monitor the effectiveness of these changes to identify whether any further changes are required.
  • Share What is 20mph in km/h? on Facebook Share What is 20mph in km/h? on Twitter Share What is 20mph in km/h? on Linkedin Email What is 20mph in km/h? link

    What is 20mph in km/h?

    saqitexu asked 7 months ago

    20 mph is equivalent to approximately 32km/h

  • Share Isn't this just about raising more money through speeding tickets? on Facebook Share Isn't this just about raising more money through speeding tickets? on Twitter Share Isn't this just about raising more money through speeding tickets? on Linkedin Email Isn't this just about raising more money through speeding tickets? link

    Isn't this just about raising more money through speeding tickets?

    R THORNTON asked almost 2 years ago

    Thank you for your query. 

    Revenue raised through speed enforcement, from Fixed Penalty Notices and court fines, goes directly to HM Treasury.

  • Share Hi, from what date will the new 30mph speed limit in St Helier Avenue (Merton) be enforced? on Facebook Share Hi, from what date will the new 30mph speed limit in St Helier Avenue (Merton) be enforced? on Twitter Share Hi, from what date will the new 30mph speed limit in St Helier Avenue (Merton) be enforced? on Linkedin Email Hi, from what date will the new 30mph speed limit in St Helier Avenue (Merton) be enforced? link

    Hi, from what date will the new 30mph speed limit in St Helier Avenue (Merton) be enforced?

    FulhamFox asked almost 2 years ago

    Enforcement of the new 30mph speed limit along St Helier Avenue will come into operation on 18th March 2024

Page last updated: 29 Jan 2026, 02:29 PM