London,
03
December
2012
|
23:00
Europe/London

Hackney backs 20mph scheme

A trial speed limit of20mph will be adopted on major roads shared by Hackney and Islington Councils ina bid to increase road safety and improve quality of life forresidents.
 
Following a decision fiveyears ago to introduce a 20mph limit on all residential roads the Council agreedto work with London Borough of Islington on a pilot scheme for main roadsincluding Green Lanes, Balls Pond Road andBlackstock Road.
 
Since the residential 20mphspeed limit was introduced five years ago the number of traffic accidents in 20mph zones fell by 50per cent and it is hoped that by extending the scheme to majorroads similar results can be achieved.
 
Cllr Feryal Demirci,Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: "By working with our neighboursIslington Council, we will be able to test how these speed limits can beenforced and their effectiveness in reducing traffic speeds, noise and airpollution.
 
"We will support the trialscheme with education and training programmes to ensure that any new speedlimits are able to be self-enforcing."
 
Signage on shared roadswill indicate the revised limits while no new traffic calming or speed bumps areplanned for affected streets. Where speed limits are consistently brokenresidents may be consulted by the councils on any additionalmeasures.
 
Cllr James Murray, Islington Council's Executive Member for Housing and Development, said: "We want to make Islington’s roads safer for all - that's why we have chosen to introduce a 20mph borough-wide limit, which we hope will shift the culture in Islington toward lower speeds.

“Our decision has had a lot of support from residents and road safety groups, and we're very pleased to be working with Hackney on reducing speeds on shared roads."
 
Over a 12 month period thecouncil will assess the effectiveness of the limits on the roads it shares withIslington Council to ensure that the limits are self enforcing although thepolice will assist with enforcement in problem areas.
 
Andy Walker, ChiefInspector for Hackney Police, said: "Hackney Police are committed to reducingdeaths and injuries on the borough's roads. We have been involved in discussionswith the Council about their plan to trial the expansion of 20mph zones and wesupport any initiative which may make our roads safer.
 
"20mph zones should be selfenforcing through the design and layout of the roads, but if there are problemswith speeding in particular locations, such as outside schools, then policeenforcement remains an option."
 
For more information onroad safety schemes in Hackney visit www.hackney.gov.uk/roadsafety