New 20mph limit rolls out in central London – find out where it applies
Reduced speed limits will be in force across 9km of London roads within the Congestion Charging Zone from today (Monday 2nd March).
The new 20mph speed limits across the central London TfL road network are part of plans that attempt to reduce road danger across the capital.
These lower limits will be enforced across all TfL roads within the Congestion Charging Zone - including Millbank, Victoria Embankment and Borough High Street.
New 20mph limit map
The 20mph speed limits are supported by new signage and road markings, with raised pedestrian crossings being installed in prominent locations where a high number of people walk, including near Embankment and Tower Hill Underground stations and outside the Tate Britain.
TfL will recalibrate all the speed cameras in central London and will work closely with the Metropolitan Police to ensure that drivers are complying with the new safer speed limits.
RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said:
"TfL’s new speed limits put safety at the heart of the changes, but the reality for drivers is that average speeds are now so low on central London’s roads that many drivers are unlikely to reach such speeds during busy periods.
"More broadly, RAC research suggests compliance with 20mph limits has worsened as they have become more prevalent in recent years. It is important that road design encourages drivers to reduce their speeds and promotes smoother, safer driving alongside these new limits."
New speed enforcement team
TfL are telling drivers to expect to see police officers at the roadside more often. From April, a new speed enforcement team will identify speeding drivers across the capital, including within the new 20mph speed limits.
The team will be deployed to known high-risk locations for speeding and will respond to community concerns about drivers speeding in their area, equipped with the newest laser video speed enforcement technology.
- Speed cameras – how they work
- Speeding fines - how much you now have to pay
- Fixed Penalty Notices: all you need to know
- Could this be the next tax on London's drivers?
Speed is a factor in around 37% of collisions in London where a person dies or is seriously injured, which is why reducing the speed limit is being positioned as an important part of the Mayor's Vision Zero commitment to eliminate death and serious injury from London's transport network.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:
"I am absolutely determined to do everything I can to eradicate all deaths and serious injuries on London's roads and these new measures are a vital step along the way to helping us to achieve this.
"By cutting speed limits on TfL's roads within the Congestion Zone we are saving lives, while at the same time making our streets more appealing for Londoners to walk and cycle around the capital."
Over the next five years, TfL claims it will work with boroughs and the public to introduce lower speed limits more widely across the capital.
TfL aims to introduce safer speed limits across a further 140km of its road network, focusing on high-risk sections of road, town centres where people walk and cycle, and streets neighbouring ambitious local speed reduction programmes led by London boroughs.
Cheaper than AA Price Promise^
- Roadside cover from £5.29 a month*
- We get to most breakdowns in 60 mins or less
- Our patrols fix 4/5 breakdowns on the spot
*At least 10% of new customers pay this for single-vehicle Roadside (Basic). ^T&Cs apply.
You might also like
Speed cameras – how they work
Speed cameras are used to record a vehicles speed to help enforce speed limits. Learn more about the different types, how they operate here!
Speed limits in the UK: know the laws
UK speed limits are generally 30mph in urban areas, 60mph on single-carriageways and 70mph on dual carriageways and motorways, but there are exceptions.
Speeding fines: how much you have to pay?
Find out how much your speeding fines will cost, how many penalty points you might get, and whether or not you'll get a driving ban, using our helpful guide.
Fixed Penalty Notices: all you need to know
Fixed penalty notices could be issued for a wide range of traffic and motoring offences, including speeding or failing to wear a seatbelt.
London Congestion Charge: a simple guide
All you need to know about the London Congestion Charge, including when it applies, how much it costs, penalties for not paying and appealing a fine.
Popular in News
1
Car buyers to save thousands as EV grant returns
2
Private parking companies issue a record 14.4m tickets to drivers in a single year
3
Drivers fined £1m from just 36 yellow box junctions in 2024
4
Road deaths on the rise in Great Britain
5
Private parking industry urged to publish ‘full and transparent’ complaints and appeals data
6
Drivers now able to search for new home that comes with EV chargers
7
Leicester’s Sean Kimberlin named as RAC Mobile Mechanic of the Year
8
Number of drivers caught using unroadworthy vehicles jumps by 52% in a year
9
Warning to drivers across the UK over fake parking apps
10