Greenwich is set to become the latest London borough to propose a blanket 20mph speed limit across almost all of its roads, following similar moves by Kensington & Chelsea and the City of Westminster. If approved, the new limit would come into effect later this year, according to a statement from the council.
Current Coverage and Data Behind the Proposal
Already, 72 percent of Greenwich roads have a 20mph speed limit. The council says the aim is to simplify the road network for drivers while reducing risk. Data from Transport for London (TfL) shows that more than three-quarters of serious injuries and deaths on Greenwich’s roads over the last 10 years occurred on roads with speed limits above 20mph.
The proposal includes exceptions for the A2, A206 and A102, which are managed by TfL rather than Greenwich Council. This approach mirrors that of Haringey Council, where only main roads run above a 20mph limit.
Official Support and Vision Zero Alignment
Greenwich’s cabinet member Calum O’Byrne Mulligan said the move would “save lives and create safer, more welcoming streets” while making it easier for drivers to understand and follow road rules. The 20mph limit is part of the Mayor of London’s Vision Zero strategy, which aims to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on London’s roads by 2041.
TfL has set a target for all of Central and Inner London to have a default speed limit of 20mph by 2035. This proposal aligns with that broader effort to make driving in London safer and more consistent.
Next Steps and Public Consultation
No final decisions have been made yet. Greenwich residents can still share their views by emailing the council’s Traffic Team. The council has not announced a specific timeline for the decision, but the rule could take effect later this year if approved.
