'Make London's main roads 20mph and let cyclists go left through red lights'

Row breaks out as report suggests 20mph limit on main roads in outer London
A report has suggested making roads in outer London 20mph and allowing cyclists to turn left at red lights
Ross Lydall @RossLydall4 December 2017

Transport for London should consider cutting the speed limit on parts of the capital’s main road network to 20mph to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, a report said today.

TfL also came under pressure to investigate whether cyclists should be able to effectively go through red lights when turning left.

The recommendations are made in a report from the London Assembly transport committee. But they have caused a row at City Hall, with the Conservative and UKIP groups both opposed to either suggestion.

Today’s “Hostile Streets” report says Mayor Sadiq Khan needs to do more in the suburbs if he wants his “healthy streets” policy encouraging Londoners out of their cars to be successful.

It said TfL should carry out trials in outer London to “find ways that 20mph can be self-enforcing on main roads and at busy junctions”, and for motorists to be warned they could be prosecuted for breaking the lower limit.

Last year 12,251 motorists received notices of intended prosecution for breaking a 20mph limit in London. Many borough roads are 20mph and TfL has some trials in inner London.

The report said TfL should research proposals in British Cycling’s Turning The Corner campaign, which wants cycle lanes that bypass traffic lights. It also wants a duty placed on motorists to give way when turning, as exists in countries such as Holland and Denmark.

A total of 9,718 pedestrians and cyclists were injured on London roads last year, with 76 per cent of the incidents happening at junctions.

In addition, 71 per cent of the 1,287 crashes that led to death or serious injury of all transport users happened at junctions.

The report pointed to communities split by major TfL roads, such as the North Circular Road, and to the situation in Brentford, where primary schools are straddled by the A4 and M4 flyover and children have to cross 40mph roads.

It found incomplete cycle lanes that “threw people out into fast-moving traffic” of up to 50mph and crossings that were inaccessible to wheelchairs.

Caroline Russell, the Green party assembly member who published the cross-party report, said: “The reality... is that many roads in outer London sever communities and are hostile places for people getting about on foot and by bike.

“If the Mayor is going to meet his target to get 80 per cent of journeys made by walking, cycling and public transport by 2041, he must make it safer and more convenient to walk and cycle. This means changing the culture at TfL and prioritising people, not cars, on London’s streets.”

Chris Boardman, the former Olympic champion and British Cycling’s policy adviser, said enabling more people to complete short journeys by foot or bike rather than car “is the most positive step we can take towards a long-term reduction in congestion on our roads”.

Will Norman, the Mayor’s walking and cycling commissioner, said: “The safety of our roads is one of our absolute key priorities, and we will be looking at the report and its recommendations in detail.

“The Mayor is investing record amounts in making walking and cycling safer all across London, and TfL’s Vision Zero approach is committed to eliminating all death and serious injury on London’s roads by 2041. This includes working with boroughs to create more 20mph zones.

“‘Our bold new Healthy Streets Approach is focused on ensuring that London’s junctions, high streets and neighbourhoods are safe for everyone whether walking, cycling, in a car, or on public transport.”

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