Greenwich proposes borough-wide 20mph speed limit

A proposal for a borough-wide 20mph speed limit on council-managed roads is being considered by The Royal Borough of Greenwich. The initiative seeks to enhance road safety and decrease the frequency and severity of traffic incidents. A formal statutory consultation has commenced, allowing residents, businesses, and interested parties to share their views before a final decision is reached.

Councillor Calum O’Byrne Mulligan, who holds the cabinet position for transport, climate change, waste, and streets, explained the rationale behind the proposal. He stated the aim is to align with other London boroughs by establishing a 20mph default speed limit on roads managed by the council, thereby improving safety and uniformity. He noted that most accidents in Greenwich occur on faster roads, where consequences are more severe, and fatalities are known to be five times more likely at 30mph than at 20mph. The councillor added that safer speeds offer a straightforward yet effective method for making roads more secure and accessible for all users.

Read Next in London Travel News2 min read

Baker Street Tube Disruption After Drain Collapse

Multiple London Underground lines experienced suspensions and delays following a structural issue at Baker Street station.

The council highlighted that reduced speeds provide drivers with more reaction time and can substantially lower the risk of fatal or serious injuries, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists. Data from Transport for London indicates that 939 individuals were killed or seriously injured on Greenwich roads over the past 10 years. Approximately 77 per cent of these casualties happened on streets with speed limits of 30mph or more. Studies of 20mph schemes implemented between 1989 and 2013 showed a 34 per cent reduction in casualties in affected areas.

Currently, 72 per cent of roads within Greenwich already operate under a 20mph speed limit. The new plans would extend this limit to nearly all remaining council-managed roads, excluding A-roads and TfL Red Routes, which will maintain their existing speed restrictions. This scheme is part of the council's broader Transport Strategy and supports the Mayor of London's Vision Zero objective to eliminate road deaths by 2041. The council anticipates that the changes will make walking and cycling feel safer and improve neighbourhood environments.

Officials believe a consistent borough-wide speed limit will simplify compliance for drivers. While journey times are expected to be minimally impacted, most trips are estimated to take about one minute longer. The consultation is part of the statutory process for a proposed Traffic Management Order. Residents wishing to submit objections or representations should include reference T9/26 and send their responses by email to traffic.team@royalgreenwich.gov.uk or by post to the Traffic Team at The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, London, SE18 6HQ. All comments must be received before the consultation concludes.

Related Borough Coverage1 min read

M4 Closed After Crash; Investigation Under Way

Motorway shut between Maidenhead and Wokingham following an incident, with traffic disruption expected.

Following the consultation period, all feedback will be evaluated, and a report detailing the responses will be compiled. The final decision will be made by the council's designated decision-maker. If approved, the new 20mph speed limits could be implemented later this year, after the completion of the statutory process and the installation of necessary signage and road markings. The Metropolitan Police will be responsible for enforcing the new limits. The council may also monitor vehicle speeds post-implementation to assess the need for further measures.