Hackney,
23
February
2015
|
11:02
Europe/London

20mph speed limit to be rolled out across Hackney

20mph-2.jpg

More walking, cycling and playing outside, improved safety, and a more liveable and attractive environment. These are the benefits predicted for the borough as Hackney gets set to roll out a 20mph speed limit on all its main roads.Traffic accidents in Hackney’s residential roads plummeted by up to 50 per cent following the introduction of 20mph limits in these streets in 2008. 

Now the Council hopes to further improve safety when it brings in the speed restrictions to its main road network later this year.

Cllr Feryal Demirci, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Hackney Council
The new 20mph speed limit will mean a better borough for all.

As London's top walking and cycling borough this roll-out makes sense. Lower speeds will see a calmer and safer environment, and we hope to have more walking and playing outside, which in turn will have a positive impact on health and the community.

Speed limits and 20mph zones have already cut casualties on our residential streets but we can always do more to prevent accidents and improve the quality of life for our residents. We hope by extending this we can reduce casualties by a further 10 per cent

“We are asking all motorists to respect the new lower speed limit when it comes in to force and will be working closely with the police to enforce where cars don’t adhere to the speed limit.
Cllr Feryal Demirci, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Hackney Council

Research shows that those hit at 35mph have a 50 per cent chance of survival, those struck at 30mph have an 80 per cent chance of living, but the survival rate jumps to 97 per cent when hit at 20mph. Tom Platt, London Policy Manager for pedestrian charity Living Streets, said: “Hackney’s roll-out of 20mph is good news for everyone who lives, works or visits the borough.

“Councils across London are now recognising that lower speed limits significantly improve the quality of our streets, reducing road danger and creating more inviting places to walk and spend time. Making walking safer and easier is the best way to encourage people to build some physical activity into their day.”

The limit will not apply to Ruckholt Road or any of Transport for London's red routes which make up around 8.5 per cent of the borough's overall road network.

Signs and road markings will be used to alert motorists of the new limit. Enforcement will be carried out by the police.

The 20mph speed limit comes on the back of a raft of measures by the Council to encourage more active travelling, including free cycle training for all residents and the Cycle Loan Scheme.

The Council will be undergoing statutory consultation regarding the 20mph roll-out from 9 March. To view copies of the Traffic Management Order, and other documents giving more details, visit the reception area of the Council offices in Keltan House, 89-115 Mare Street. Further information can be obtained by contacting: 020 8356 2897.

Any objections, or other representations about the proposal, should be sent in writing to the Assistant Director (Public Realm) at the address above by 29 March. All objections must specify the grounds on which they are made.