The UK’s first 15mph speed limit is set to be introduced in the City of London, subject to government approval.
The City of London Corporation’s most senior decision-making body, the Court of Common Council, has voted to introduce a 15mph speed limit in the Square Mile.
The decision follows a public consultation into 54 proposals unveiled by the City Corporation last year, which together sets a 25-year framework for its first long-term Transport Strategy.
City Corporation monitoring reveals that 90 percent of all journeys made on the City’s streets are partially or entirely walked. The new Strategy prioritises the needs of people walking when delivering changes to streets, and makes the most efficient use of street space by working to reduce motor traffic by 25 percent by 2030, and by 50 percent by 2044.
The Strategy will also see the City Corporation enhancing its cycling offer, launching a new cycling network and improving the quality and accessibility of cycle hire facilities.
“The City of London is one of the most well-connected parts of the UK, with 15 Tube stations, seven Tube lines, eight mainline stations, multiple bus routes and a fast-evolving bicycle network,” said Alastair Moss, Chair of the Planning and Transportation Committee at the City of London Corporation. “We are working tirelessly to support the 513,000 workers that commute to the Square Mile every day, and to deliver the forward-thinking City that Londoners want to see.
“These radical plans will ensure the continued success of not just the City, but wider London and the UK as a leading global business and cultural destination.”
Work to implement the changes will start later this year, with the 15mph speed limit implemented by 2021/22, subject to approval by the Department for Transport.
Short-term measures have already begun, including a trial of the Lunchtime Streets programme, which uses timed and temporary street closures to make the streets more attractive places to walk, cycle and spend time.
