Greenwich proposes blanket 20mph speed limit for all roads

Greenwich Council is proposing to implement a 20mph speed limit across all its roads, a move intended to enhance safety and simplify traffic regulations for drivers. This proposal follows research indicating that most serious road incidents in the borough over the last ten years have occurred on roads with speed limits exceeding 20mph.

Evidence for reduced casualties

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Transport for London data reveals that more than 75% of serious injuries or fatalities on Greenwich roads in the past decade took place on roads where the speed limit was higher than 20mph. Research commissioned by TfL has found that the introduction of 20mph limits led to a 34% reduction in fatal or serious road casualties. In areas where these lower limits were implemented, child fatalities fell by 75%.

Calum O’Byrne Mulligan, Greenwich council’s cabinet member, stated that the proposed change would "save lives and create safer, more welcoming streets." He added that it would also make it "easier for drivers to understand and follow" road rules. The proposal aligns with London Mayor Sadiq Khan's Vision Zero strategy, which aims to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on London's transport network by 2041.

Broader context of 20mph limits

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Across London, 61.7% of roads managed by boroughs now have a 20mph speed limit, an increase from 60.9% in 2025, according to the London Boroughs Healthy Streets Scorecard. While many inner London boroughs have adopted lower limits extensively, outer boroughs show a more varied picture. Some boroughs have reached over 95% adoption of 20mph zones, while others remain below 10%.

The implementation of 20mph zones has faced debate. Supporters highlight the potential for saving lives and creating calmer environments, particularly in busy areas like high streets and town centres. Conversely, critics argue that lower limits can lead to increased frustration for drivers, longer journey times, and higher operating costs for businesses that rely on efficient travel across the city.

Next steps

While Greenwich Council is proposing this blanket 20mph speed limit, no final decisions have been made. The council has indicated that there will be some exceptions to the rule.