With changes to road layouts and an increased number of people walking and cycling, drivers in London have been told it’s ‘more critical than ever’ to obey speed limits.
As part of TfL and the mayor’s Streetspace programme, ‘significant’ temporary infrastructure changes have already been made across the Capital – including an additional 19,000m² of space to help people social distance while walking and cycling.
In total, 21 Streetspace schemes have been completed, with expanded footways outside busy commuter hubs such as London Bridge, Victoria and Waterloo stations and a new cycle lane on Park Lane.
The speed limit on Park Lane has been reduced from 40mph to 20mph, with TfL launching an urgent review to identify how these limits can be expanded to further streets across central London – particularly next to cycle lanes.
In light of the changes, TfL is urging Londoners to drive carefully and obey the speed limit at all times.
It points to statistics showing 16 road deaths have occured since 20 March – while speeds of more than 130mph have been recorded during lockdown.
Siwan Hayward, TfL’s director of compliance and policing, said: “We’re working closely with the mayor and local boroughs to provide a huge range of new walking and cycling facilities, ensuring Londoners can get around safely as lockdown measures are eased.
“Drivers are reminded that a number of road layouts may have changed and with more people walking and cycling, it is more critical than ever to slow down, drive carefully and within the speed limit.”
Will Norman, London’s walking and cycling commissioner, said: “It is vital that all Londoners walk and cycle for as many journeys as possible which is why our Streetspace plans are rapidly rolling out more space to enable people to safely do so.
“If you must drive, you must do so carefully, and be aware that road layouts may have changed.
“It is more important than ever that you don’t speed, including where there are new or existing 20mph limits, to help protect the increased numbers of people walking and cycling, and avoid putting additional pressure on the NHS.”
15 June 2020