A powerful new study by Transport for London (TfL) has revealed that 20mph speed limits have led to a major reduction in deaths and serious injuries on roads across London.

The long-term analysis examined more than 150 20mph zones introduced by boroughs between 1989 and 2013. The findings show that the number of people killed or seriously injured dropped by 34% following the introduction of lower speed limits.

The report is being described as the most comprehensive of its kind in the capital, and TfL says the evidence will play a vital role in helping achieve the Mayor’s Vision Zero goal—to eliminate deaths and serious injuries from London’s transport network.

According to the data, there was a 34% reduction in people killed or seriously injured, from 395 to 260. The number of people killed dropped by 40%, from 15 to 9. The number of children killed fell by 75%, from 4 to 1, while child casualties overall reduced by 50%, from 517 to 280. There was also a 35% fall in collisions and a 36% drop in casualties on borough roads.

The study compared the areas with 20mph limits against wider borough trends during the same period to account for other road safety improvements.

Lilli Matson, TfL’s Chief Safety Health and Environment Officer, said: “It is brilliant to see the long-term analysis in this report. It contains hugely important findings which show the difference that 20mph speed limits have made to road safety in London, and we are able to fully understand the impact of road safety measures across the city over a longer time span. Lower speed limits save lives. We’re committed to eliminating unsafe speeds across London, and the analysis in this report reinforces our approach. No death or serious injury on London’s streets is acceptable or inevitable, and we are determined that London continues to be at the forefront of making real and lasting change.”

Walking and Cycling Commissioner Will Norman added: “This compelling new analysis shows clearly that lowering speeds is saving lives. Every death or serious injury on our roads is one too many. Slower speeds not only protect the most vulnerable, they also help create safer, more welcoming streets, and are a vital part of building a safer London for everyone.

“The Mayor and I are proud that London is leading the way with bold, evidence-led action to reduce danger on our roads, and we will continue working to eliminate death and serious injury on the transport network as part of our Vision Zero goal.”

TfL says the research supports further rollout of 20mph zones. Since 2018, over 264km of London’s roads have adopted the lower limit, with more than half of the capital’s roads now under 20mph rules.

Jeremy Leach from campaign group 20’s Plenty for Us said: “Over the past 30 years London’s boroughs have pioneered the widespread use of 20mph speed limits making streets feel safer and be safer for residents and visitors alike. This latest research from TfL backs up other studies that show streets are safer with 20mph speed limits and more people able to walk, wheel and cycle and to be active. We hope that the small number of London’s boroughs that have yet to make widespread use of lower speed limits will not miss this chance to bring in 20mph limits on many of their streets and roads.”

The report also confirms that the introduction of 20mph zones has not increased congestion and contributes to a safer environment for walking, wheeling and cycling, while also reducing noise.

Newham Councillor Sarah Ruiz said: “Reducing the speed of traffic on our roads is essential for making the borough safer for all our residents and encourages our residents to take up the many advantages of switching from cars to sustainable transport, like cycling or walking.

“The statistics are clear the 20 mile an hour limits are saving lives and serious injury and make it safer and more attractive to get about the borough.”

TfL exceeded its target of reducing speed limits on 140km of roads between 2020 and 2024 and is set to continue rolling out lower speed limits across the capital in the coming years.

Never miss another news story, subscribe to Harrow Online for FREE!