20mph Limit

20mph limit – borough wide scheme

Islington becomes the country's first 20mph borough.

Islington has become the first borough in the country with a 20mph speed limit on all side roads.

Signs have been installed over the last few months to bring in the new speed, which aims to help boost safety for pedestrians, cyclists and road users.

The whole of Islington now has a 20mph limit, except main routes such as Pentonville Road, which will stay at 30mph.  The 20mph limit applies to side or "non-principal" roads.

As well as boosting safety, the limit aims to improve quality of life for residents by reducing traffic speeds, and may also help reduce noise and air pollution.

Cllr Paul Smith, Islington Council's Executive Member for Environment, said: "We're on the side of residents and this will make Islington's roads safer for everyone, whether they're walking, cycling or in a vehicle.

"It's a bold step, but there has been backing for a 20mph limit in Islington from residents, councillors and campaigners for safer streets.

"Islington is now the complete 20mph borough in the country.  We will closely monitor it to see how effectively it is working."

Campaigners have also welcomed the new 20mph limit.  Tony Armstrong, Chief Executive of national charity Living Streets, said:

"We are really pleased that Islington is leading the way in rolling out 20mph speed limits throughout the borough. It is a testament to all those involved, including the hard work of the Islington Living Streets group.

"Reducing motor traffic speeds on our streets is the single biggest measure which will make them safe and vibrant places. There is no doubt that this one change will save lives, but more than that, slower moving traffic will allow us all to enjoy our streets as social spaces, not just corridors for traffic."

The new signs "filled in the gaps" between Islington's existing 20mph zones, bringing a total of around 150 miles of street under the limit.

The number of people killed or seriously injured on Islington's roads fell from 227 in 2001 to 77 in 2009, thought to be partly as a result of lower speeds.

No new traffic-calming or speed bumps are planned for the new 20mph limit, although if speed limits are consistently broken in some areas residents will be asked if they would like to see measures put in place.

For more information

If you require any further information on this scheme, please contact Michael Fletcher on:
Tel. 020 7527 2000
E-mail. public.realm@islington.gov.uk