Conservative Councillor Michael Maurice has submitted a petition to Brent Council calling for the reinstatement of the 30mph speed limit on a section of Preston Road in North London, arguing that the current 20mph limit is “totally unnecessary” and has led to road rage and dangerous driving. The petition, signed by 88 residents, specifically targets the stretch between Carlton Avenue East and the junction with East Lane and Forty Avenue.
Background of the 20mph zone
The 20mph limit was introduced along the whole of Preston Road in 2018, following a public consultation in autumn 2017, during which 72 per cent of respondents supported the scheme. At the time, the council cited 52 accidents on the road since 2014, resulting in 58 casualties, including five serious injuries and 53 slight injuries. Among the casualties were 14 pedestrians, five cyclists, 12 motorcyclists, and 27 car drivers or passengers.
These figures prompted the council to implement measures to reduce vehicle speed and improve pedestrian safety, including the 20mph limit. However, Cllr Maurice argues that the low limit is only appropriate in certain areas, such as near shops and schools, and that other parts of Preston Road have different characteristics.
Councillor's concerns and petition
In his petition, Cllr Maurice claims that the 20mph limit “does not seem to deter people who race and speed” and that drivers adhering to the limit have reported being overtaken by buses. He also notes that many people, including bus drivers, have been prosecuted for driving at 24mph. He stated: “I support 20mph limits where they are appropriate, particularly around schools and busy shopping areas. But different parts of Preston Road have very different characteristics.”
He added that the council’s own surveys have shown significant non-compliance with the 20mph limit, and that he has not seen convincing evidence that it has improved safety on that particular stretch. He also pointed out that police enforcement appears to be concentrated on the section between Carlton Avenue East and the junction with East Lane/Forty Avenue, rather than where the shops are located.
Council's response and data
Brent Council has acknowledged the petition and stated that it will consider the request alongside relevant traffic and road safety data before responding. The council highlighted the latest available three-year data, from November 2022 to October 2025, which shows a reduction in casualties on Preston Road.
A Brent Council spokesperson said: “The council is committed to improving road safety and reducing the number of people injured in road traffic collisions on the borough's roads. Road safety improvements, including the introduction of a 20mph speed limit along the whole of Preston Road, were implemented in 2018 following public consultation in autumn 2017, when 72 per cent of respondents supported the scheme.”
The spokesperson added: “Prior to the scheme's introduction, there were 64 casualties resulting from road traffic collisions during the three-year period from July 2014 to June 2017. This has reduced to 35 casualties during the latest comparable three-year period from November 2022 to October 2025.”
