Sustrans backs City's 20mph plan

THE CHARITY Sustrans, which encourages people to travel by foot, bike or public transport, has welcomed plans to cut speed limits within the City of London to 20mph.

The City of London's Court of Common Council approved the plan to reduce the speed limit to 20mph in the City as part of its Road Danger Reduction Plan.

It is argued that the plan will reduce casualties by almost 10% while adding only a minute to journey times.

Sustrans' London deputy director Matt Winfield said: "A 20mph speed limit would save lives and make the streets in London's city centre better places to walk, cycle and socialise.

"Slowing speeds also improves public health by allowing people to be more active, significantly reducing the burden on our health system.

"A 20mph limit is welcome wherever it is put in place across the country, but a postcode lottery where pedestrians and cyclists are safer in some areas than others is not acceptable - 20mph must become a national default speed limit."

Boroughs around the City, with the exception of Westminster, have already adopted a 20mph limit.

The proposal was passed on September 12.

Michael Welbank, chairman of the council's planning and transportation committee, said: "I am delighted this proposal has been passed. The City of London's street usage has changed dramatically over the last 10 years, with the number of cyclists tripling.

"The Corporation has adopted a Road Danger Reduction Plan containing a wide range of measures. The 20mph speed limit for the City is not the panacea but a further step in reducing casualties."

By Nicola Irwin, Press Association