Take it easy on them there roads - 20mph speed limit now in force

As we reported last month, Islington has completed plans to become the first borough in the UK with a 20mph speed limit on all side roads, and the new limit is now in operation. Signs have been installed indicating the lower speed limit, which aims to increase safety for pedestrians, cyclists and

other road users.

All non-principal roads in the borough now have a 20mph speed limit; main routes will continue to allow speeds of up to 30mph. As well as improving safety, the limit aims to reduce

noise and air pollution and make the borough more pleasant for residents. Cllr Paul Smith, Islington Council's executive member for environment,

says, "This will make Islington's

roads safer for everyone, whether they're walking, cycling or in a

vehicle."

Campaigners have also welcomed the new 20mph limit.  Julie Townsend, campaigns director at road safety charity Brake, added, "At 20mph, you have a good chance of being able to stop in time if a child

runs out three car lengths ahead. We applaud Islington for rolling out

20mph limits - it's a major step in helping to prevent needless

tragedies on our roads - and we urge other local authorities to follow

their lead."

Some campaigners, including the Taxpayer's Alliance, have complained that the new measures will merely slow traffic down and cause problems for drivers. The idea was initially proposed and supported by the local Green Party as an environmental as well as a safety measure.

Tony Armstrong, chief executive of national charity Living Streets, says, "We are really pleased. Reducing motor traffic speeds on our streets is the single biggest

measure which will make them safe and vibrant places. Slower moving

traffic will allow us all to enjoy our streets as social spaces, not

just corridors for traffic."

Islington now has a total of around 150 miles of streets with the new speed limit, the most of any borough in Britain. No new traffic-calming or speed bumps are planned for the new zones. The council will now be monitoring side streets to see how effective the new limit is, and to determine if any additional measures need to be put in place.

The number of people killed or seriously injured on Islington's roads

fell from 227 in 2001 to 77 in 2009, with lower speed limits thought to play an important role in the reduction.

Is this a good move from the council? Would you like to see other local councils introduce similar measures? Let us know below!

Image: EdinburghGreens