Westminster to roll-out city-wide 20mph limit

Westminster City Council is set to rollout out a city-wide 20mph limit to provide safer, greener, and cleaner streets across the heart of London.

As lockdown measures are gradually eased and London begins to open up again, careful attention is being paid to Westminster’s famous streets used by thousands each day to ensure that they are as safe as possible for pedestrians. As part of these essential safety improvements, traffic speeds across the entire city will soon be limited to 20mph.

Reducing speeds reduces the severity of accidents and makes it safer to travel on foot or by cycle, helping to improve public space and to encourage healthier, more active lifestyles. The decision follows a public consultation held in 2019, with over two-thirds of responses showing support for the changes.

A further consultation will set out how the scheme will be implemented around the city, closing on 1st July before the new speed limits begin to rollout across the city.  

Andrew Smith, cabinet member for Highways & Environment, said: “The way people are travelling around our city is changing, and as more people opt to walk and cycle in light of Covid-19, we need to respond and adapt to ensure our streets are safe for all. Reducing our borough-wide speed limit will not only save lives but will also create a calmer and more inviting street environment for those who visit our city. These safer streets will encourage the use of greener modes of transport, improve air quality, and help us to kickstart Westminster’s powerful economy once more.”